HISTORY OF QUINCY, 



ITS MEN OF MARK 



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ET PAT. H. RElJMuKi). 



QUINCT: 

HMR8 * RtrSSELL, BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS, WEST SIDE WASHINGTON PARK. 
1S69. 



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PREFACE 



After devoting a large share of time and labor to this work, the 
author offers it to the public not as a complete history of Quincy, 
but as the best that he was enabled under the circumstances to 
compile. The effort to furnish a detailed review of the commerce 
and manufactures of a city of Quincy's size, is necessarily attended 
with greater difficulty and labor than would such an undertaking 
in the great cities of the Union, where Boards of Trade flourish, 
and where statistics of the manufactures and sales of every depart- 
ment are annually prepared and preserved for reference. Yet, 
notwithstanding, the want of such facilities for obtaining inform- 
ation has been seriously felt, and added materially to our labors, 
we have still, through the assistance of our leading business men, 
obtained accurate statistics of the transactions in most of the im- 
portant departments, and submit them to the citizens of Quincy 
and to our readers generally, as an evidence of the prosperity 
which has been wrought by the energy, enterprise and deter- 
mination of our business men. 

Tor much, and in fact most of the information here submitted, 
we are of course indebted to the old residents of Quincy, who have 
grown with it, and whose industry, ability, and public spirit car- 
ried it safely through all the vicissitudes, from a frontier settle- 
ment to a prosperous and wealthy city. 

The biographies here given to the public will be recognized by 
many as truthful sketches of leading and influential citizens, who 
by their sagacity and perseverance carved out their own fortunes, 
and will enable those not familiar with the progress of Quincy to 
form an idea of the men to whom she is indebted for her present 
position as a commercial and manufacturing center. 



HISTORICAL. 



There is perhaps no city of Quincy's size and popula- 
tion in the Union of which there has been so little said 
or published, and around whose early history cluster bo 
many recollections and events worthy of being perpet- 
uated. In the rush and turmoil of business our citizens 
have always had a leisure moment to give to every en- 
terprise that promised to advance the religious, educa- 
tional or commercial interests of Quincy ; but it seems 
seldom to have occurred to them that by liberally and 
judiciously heralding the beauties and advantages of 
their " Model City " our population could be largely 
augmented, and every department of business vastly 
benefited. 

What we have failed to do in our own behalf, others 
very naturally have left undone, until we find that it is 
only within a few years that the outside world has 
formed any adequate idea of the important interests 
centered here. The flourishing City of Quincy, when 
it boasted a population of 20,000 was comparatively un- 
known, and it was not until that population had in- 
creased to nearly 30,000 souls that we commenced to 
loom up in the eyes of the commercial world, and began 
to attract a small degree of attention. But while we ex- 
hibited enterprise in every other respect, it was not to 



6 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

our enterprise in this line that we owed the first dis- 
covery of our importance as a thriving business com- 
munity by the world at large. With a singular want 
of sagacity, we allowed our city, with all its advantages 
and attractions, to slumber quietly on the bank of the 
great Mississippi, without sounding its merits to the 
thousands of thrifty emigrants who were journeying 
westward from the densely populated oast, and the 
other thousands who came with every breeze across the 
broad Atlantic to find homes of peace and plenty. 

Other points, although perhaps not less modest than 
ourselves, with a wondrous degree of enterprise in this 
particular role, advantaged themselves of the lethargy 
that pervaded Quincy and Quincyites, and sang the 
virtues and 'vantages of their respective localities in 
most alluring strains. They pictured in the brightest 
colors their rivers and lakes, their hills and vales, their 
prairies and forests, and all else that went to make up 
'•The Promised Land of the West," while we reclined 
here upon the lofty banks of the grand old "Father of 
Waters," in the midst of the famous " Military Tract," 
which stretched out a vast expanse of undulating hills 
and prairies, diversified with stately forests and mean- 
dering brooks, that made up the " fairest picture the 
sun ever shone on." 

But while we employed none of the arts of bold 
speculators to advance the interests of our city or its 
inhabitants, fate determined that we were not to sink 
into oblivion, but rather forced upon us a brighter des- 
tiny. 

The wheels of commerce cycled round, and Quincy, 
with a firm elastic step marched on in the line of prog- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 7 

ress. With scarce an effort in her own behalf, prosper- 
ity seemed to settle upon her as a favorite spot, and 
every enterprise to which she gave birth speedily be- 
came a success, and resulted handsomely to the origin- 
ators. 

!N"ot one of the would be rivals of the " Gem City " 
that vauntingly raised their heads as rivals twenty 
years ago, now presume to contend with us. Hannibal, 
Keokuk, Peoria, &c., all yield to Quincy the palm for 
superiority and eminence in population, manufactures, 
and commerce, and in the great State of Illinois, Chica- 
go alone, the metropolitan wonder of the century, leads 
our thriving city. 

The progress of Quincy has been steady and unim- 
peded from the day the first white man trod its prolific 
soil to the present ; and considering the utter absence 
of ostentation or display regarding our achievements 
in science, commerce and manufactures, it is not strange 
that our city has not been better known throughout 
the Union, and awarded its proper rank among the 
leading manufacturing and commercial centers. But 
while we realize that other cities have taken lead of 
Quincy in parading their advantages to the w^orld, we 
also recognize the fact, that within a few years we have 
commenced a system of advertising that promises not 
only to introduce our city to the country at large, but 
insures us speedy communication with the outside 
world. Under the lead of wise and sagacious business 
men we have turned our attention to perfecting the 
system of railroads that centers here, and which has 
been such a powerful ally in developing the resources 
of the country surrounding us, and thereby building up 



8 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

our city. 1q substantial enterprises of this nature, 
which promise permanent advantage to Quincy, our 
citizens have ever been active and energetic ; and this 
after all is the truest index to the character of any peo- 
ple. Judging our population then in this light, they 
have shown a world of zeal and public spirit in build- 
ing here a city of as magnificent proportions and beau- 
tiful arrangement as Quincy. Not alone have they 
profusely expended capital and labor in the construction 
of its railroads and other facilities of commerce; the 
erection of its stately business edifices, elegant residen- 
ces, costly churches and noble educational institutions ; 
but with commendable pride, they have kept an eye to 
its beauty as well as prosperity. Its broad streets are 
laid out with faultless regularity, its parks are genial 
and inviting ; its costly mansions and humble cottages 
are surrounded by capacious yards, modeled after come- 
ly designs to enhance the beauties of nature ; and eve- 
rywhere are to be found the evidences of that refined 
taste and delicate skill, whose exercise has won for 
Quincy such appellations as "Gem City," "Model City," 
&c. Added to the natural beauties of location, and the 
artificial embellishments wrought here by enterprise 
and skill, Quincy stands pre-eminent among her sisters 
of the great west for the extent of her public improve- 
ments, salubrity of climate, facilities of education, and 
general eligibility of location as a place of residence. 

Our object in issuing this work, has been to better 
introduce this favored city to those who are seeking a 
home, where industry and energy are a sure guarantee 
of prosperity and success : and in doing this we have 
endeavored to dissemminate abroad only correct in- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. » 

formation as to her advantages, growth, size, resources 
and wealth. 

It is not our aim or expectation to do full justice to 
the subject, but simply to enumerate a few of her pres- 
ent and prospective advantages as a manufacturing and 
commercial point, and to give a brief account of her 
mercantile and manufacturing interests at the present 
time. 

However, before detailing the operations in business 
and commerce of the year about to close, it is proper 
that we should trace Quincy from its first settlement, 
through the various stages of its existence up to the 
present time, when it puts forth its claims to metropol- 
itan dignities, and stands erect a full fledged city of 
38,000 inhabitants. 

"Quincy was originally selected as a town site in the 
year 1821 by the Hon. John Wood, Ex Governor of the 
State, who visited this neighborhood in the fall of that 
year, in company with two others named Moffit and 
Flinn, in order to look for and examine some land 
belonging to the latter, and which is now within the 
city limits. He was so impressed with the beauty of 
the spot, and so well satisfied that from its geographical 
position it must become the great point of outlet for 
the immense productions, which must speedily follow 
emigration to this and neighboring counties, that he 
determined in his own words to "settle here for life." 
He returned in the fall of the succeeding year and erec- 
ted the first house within the present bounds of Quincy. 
It was a primitive structure built without the aid of 
nails or sawed lumber, but unpretending as it was, the 
associations hanging over it, the almost miraculous 



10 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

changes that have taken place in the face of the coun- 
try surrounding it, and the marked vicissitudes attend- 
ing the fortunes of the adventurous pioneer who con- 
structed it, invest it at this day with a halo of inter- 
est peculiarly its own, and the mind loves to linger upon 
it as the germ planted in the wilds of the West, from 
which has sprung the present vigorous growth of our 
Model City. 

In the spring succeeding Mr. Wood's arrival, Major 
Jeremiah Eose, a native of New York, came with his 
family and shared his cabin, Mrs. Eose being the first 
white woman, and her daughter, now Mrs. G-eorge W. 
Brown, the first white child, residing in Quincy. The 
next house was built in the spring of 182^ by Mr. Will- 
ard Keyes, a native of Vermont, and a former acquain- 
tance of Mr. Wood, and the third in the following fall 
by John Droulard, a Frenchman. At this time there 
was no white settlement in the Military Tract north of 
Gilead, a point sixty miles south of Quincy, (then called 
Cole's Point) near the centre of Calhoun County, and 
but two other white men, by name Peri go and Lile, in 
the bounds of what now is Adams County, and U. S. 
Troops were stationed at Fort Edwards, the present site 
of Warsaw, a point forty miles north of Quincy, for the 
protection of the frontier from the depredations of the 
Indians who lived in large numbers in the neighbor- 
hood. Our pioneers were obliged to go forty miles to 
mill, but a Dr. Baker, who settled in the fall of 182-4 on 
the creek two miles south of Mr. Wood's house, in or- 
der to obviate this inconvenience, with Yankee ingenu- 
ity, constructed a machine for pounding corn, the mo- 
tive of which was water. Placing the grain in a mortar. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 11 

an industrious pestle soon reduced it to a state suited 
to manufacture into very tolerable "hoe cakes." A 
tragical incident connected with the history of this "the 
first grist mill in Quincy," should not be omitted. One 
night when "der machine" was in active operation, an 
unsophisticated coon instigated by the gnawings of hun- 
ger, or perhaps by motives of curiosity, attempted to 
penetrate into its hidden recessess. The descending- 
pestle gave him a forcible intimation that his presence 
was undesired, and knocking him into the mortar, it 
continued to pound him with hearty good will until 
morning, by which time we may conclude that his spirit 
of exploration was effectually subdued. The condition 
of the "grist" may " be more easily imagined than de- 
scribed." 

Previous to the establishmv^nt of the white settle- 
ment, an Indian village of the "Sauk" tribe occupied 
the site of Quincy, and for several years after its estab- 
lishment the original natives remained in the vicinity, 
but as a general thing were not troublesome neighbors. 

In the fall of 1824, John Wood inserted in a newspa- 
per printed at Edwardsville, called the Edwardsville 
Spectator, a notice that application would be made to 
the next Legislature for the establishment of a new 
county, defining its boundaries. In accordance with 
this application, by an act approved January 13, 1825, 
the Legislature provided for the organization of Adams 
County, fixing its boundaries as described in the notice, 
and as they now exist. Three commissioners were 
appointed to locate the County Seat, Seymour Kellogg, 
of Morgan county, Joel Wright, of Montgomery county, 
and David Dutton of Pike count}', who after traveling 



12 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

through and attentively examining the county, decided 
upon this spot as the one best calculated for the future 
convenience and accommodation of the people. They 
christened the new town Quincy, in honor of the Presi- 
dent, and, although the ceremonies were not of the 
most imposing character, thenceforth the city of three 
log cabins rejoiced in a name. 

The first election of officers for Adams County was 
held on the second day of July, A. D. 1825, when forty 
votes were polled. Willard Keyes, Levi Wells and Pe- 
ter Journey were elected County Commissioners, and 
at their first meeting, during the same month Henry 
H. Snow was appointed Clerk. This gentleman, pur- 
suant to an order dated November 9th, 1825, was em- 
ployed to survey and draw plats of the town, and two 
hundred and thirty lots, ninety-nine by a hundred and 
ninety-eight feet were laid off. Much of the subsequent 
prosperity of the place may be ascribed to the wisdom 
and taste displayed in this survey. Streets were laid 
off sixty -six feet wide, all but Maine Street, which is 
eighty-two and a half feet wide, and crossing each other 
at right angles. A space four hundred feet square was 
reserved in the center of the town for a public square, 
now called Washington Square, and the enclosure 
which is now Jefferson Square was set apart for a pub- 
lic Cemetery. 

The first sale of town lots took place on the thirteenth 
day of December following, when fifty-one lots which 
had previously been advertised in the St. Louis and 
Edwardsville papers, were sold at public auction by 
the County Commissioners, the major part of which 
were purchased by the commissioners themselves, the 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 13 

sheriff and other citizens of the County, very few being 
sold to outside speculators, and thus the curse which 
has weighed so heavily on other western towns was 
avoided. 

From the close of the year 1825 until the beginning 
of the year 1835, the growth of Quincy was not rapid. 
A variety of causes combined to produce this result. 
Many miles distant from mills, and from any point where 
provisions or supplies of any kind could be obtained, her 
residents were obliged to dispense with many of those 
articles, which are considered, in older communities, as 
among the "necessaries of life." Their coffee was a 
decoction of okro seed, an herb cultivated by them for 
that purpose, and which they sweetened with wild 
honey, found in great abundance in the neighboring 
woods. Their nearest blacksmith's shop was at Atlas, 
forty miles distant, where they carried their plows to 
be sharpened, swung upon a horse's back. These, and 
other privations incident to pioneer life, together with 
several visitations of epidemic disease, during the inter- 
val mentioned, prevented any great improvement. 

In the spring of 1826, Mr. Asher Anderson arrived 
with a stock of goods from Maryland and opened the 
first store, and in the fall of the same year a Court 
House was built of hewed logs, on the corner of Maine 
and Fifth streets, and in this building the first school 
was organized and kept. 

In 1828 Charles Holmes and Eobert Tillson arrived 
and established themselves as merchants, and in the 
succeeding year, 1829, they erected for their accommo- 
dation the first frame building in Quincy. 

During this and the succeeding year several other 



14 HISTORY OP QUINCY. 

stores were opened by different individuals, and the 
first steam flour mill was erected by Mr. J. T. Holmes, 
and put an end for a time to the importation of flour. 

In the year 1832 the Black Hawk War broke out, 
but its chief effect upon Quincy was to increaae the 
number in military titles, as " Colonel," " Major," &c., 
which it bestowed upon the citizens with a liberal 
hand. 

In 1833 the first regular church was organized, num- 
bering fifteen members. 

In June, 1834, the town was incorporated, and Messrs. 
A. Williams, Jos. T. Holmes, S. W. Eogers, Levi Wells, 
and Michael Mast were elected trustees. J^'rom this 
period may be dated the rapid advancement of Quincy 
in population and wealth. In the year 1835 she con- 
tained about seven hundred inhabitants, with the fol- 
lowing establishments, professional men, &c. : 

10 stores, 1 pork merchant, 1 bonnet store, 3 cabinet 
shops, 3 cooper shops, 5 carpenter shops, 2 wagon mak- 
ers, 3 brick makers, 4 tailors, 2 butchers, 1 silversmith, 
1 chair maker, 6 physicians, 1 XJ. S. land office, 2 saw 
mills, 1 wool carding machine, 2 drug stores, 2 bakeries, 
1 coach maker, 4 saddlers, 3 plasterers, 2 boot and shoo 
makers, 3 blacksmiths, 1 wheelwright, 6 lawyers, 1 
printing office, 1 land agency, 1 steam flour mill, 3 tav- 
erns, 1 gunsmith. 

Up to this year a large portion of the bacon and 
flour for home consumption had been imported, but 
from that date until the present, large and annually 
increasing ajnounts have been exported. The value of 
these exportations from July, 1834, to July, 1835, 
amounted to $40,000. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. * 15 

In 1837, the population had increased to 1,653, and 
produce was shipped as follows : Pork ^85,000, Flour 
$19,500, Wheat, $8,000 worth. 

Our space will not admit of a detailed enumeration 
of the advancement from year to year. Passing over 
the interval between 1838 and 1841, we find that the 
population in the latter year amounted to 2,686, and 
that the sale of merchandise of all sorts footed up to 
$329,800. Shipments of produce were as follows : — 
Wheat, 275,000 bushels, Corn, 95,000 bushels, Oats, 50,- 
000 bushels, and during the same year 12,000 hogs were 
packed. 

In 1849 the population had increased to 5,500, and 
there were in the city 

26 retail variety stores, 2 hardware stores, 2 book 
stores, 3 drug stores, 2 foundries, 3 machine shops, 3 
printing offices, 2 hotels, 9 physicians, 13 churches, 5 
private schools, 5 dry goods stores, 10 ware houses, 4 
steam flour mills, 2 steam saw mills, 7 pork houses, 4 
lumber yards, 5 brick yards, 15 lawyers, 2 public 
schools." 

Having thus only prefaced the early history of Quin- 
cy, we will in proper order enlarge upon the important 
events transpiring during the various stages of her 
progress, and give them due prominence. 

MANUFACTURING AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS OF QUINCY. 

In most instances the best means of judging of the 
advantages of any locality, is by the extent of its com- 
merce and manufactures. Occasionally we find this 



16 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

rule a poor one to apply, as we meet with cities and 
towns, which without any real advantages as commer- 
cial or manufacturing points, bloom into a sort of mush- 
room prosperity, and exist for a time with the same 
apparent indications of stability put forth by cities of 
a more substantial and permanent growth. But there 
has been no sudden or unaccountable growth of Quincy. 
From the first every step of its advance has been steady 
and unfaltering. 

Admirably located on the high and healthy bluffs of 
the Mississippi river, 160 miles above St. Louis, and 
almost immediately at the foot of the "rapids," with a 
vast territory in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, and the 
country farther west tributary to her, it required no 
prophetic eye to discern her future. Now the base of 
supplies for the vast regions above named, 'the wheels 
of commerce roll on with wondrous velocity to meet 
the constant demands for goods of all kinds. However 
the commercial success of Quincy was guaranteed at 
the outset by the surroundings of which she was the 
center. The fertility of the soil of the great " Prairie 
State," as well as the rich farming sections of Missouri 
adjacent to us, insured Quincy a large measure of pros- 
perity without recourse to the other advantages that 
have made that prosperity loom up into such grand 
proportions in the past few years. 

But the great problem, upon the solution of which 
depended more than all else the future of our city has 
been solved by the establishment and successful opera- 
tion of the extensive mills, factories &c., that make up 
our manufacturing interests. Although we had much 
to expect from the ordinary mutations of commerce, 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 17 

it was hardly to be expected, even with our excellent 
location and surroundings, that we could build up an 
important city without drawing upon other resources. 
It is self-evident then that the key note of our greatest 
and most permanent prosperity was sounded when the 
sagacious men of the city determined to make this not 
only a commercial stronghold, but also an important 
manufacturing center. That resolve was carried out 
in good faith, and the days of experimenting with 
manufactures here gave way to the period when each 
year adds numerous extensive establishments to those 
that already tower up in every part of the city. Colos- 
sal tobacco factories, mammoth foundries, stately mills, 
extensive machine shops, planing and saw mills, boiler 
shops, and commodious edifices devoted to every de- 
partment of manufacture are met with through the 
city. The busy hum of industry and enterprise is 
heard on all sides : and at evening the operatives and 
sons of toil from these establishments throng through 
our streets in hundreds, wending their way homeward 
after a day of labor. 

That Quincy has many advantages as a manufactur- 
ing site over other western cities those who will give 
the subject proper consideration will be convinced. Al- 
thougn the enterprise started about a year ago, which 
promised to discover and develop inexhaustible coal 
mines in the very heart of the city, has not met with 
the success it was hoped would attend it, we still have 
vast coal mines connected with us by railroad, and are 
abundantly supplied by enterprising companies who 
furnish coal of excellent quality and at lower rates than 
is paid for the same by Chicago manufacturers and con- 
2 



18 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

sutners. Should we succeed in finding coal in or near 
the city limits, as many anticipate, the saving of cost of 
transportation would give our manuftxcturers still 
another advantage, and would give such an impetus to 
manufactures as would speedily place us in rivalry with 
Troy, Pittsburg, and other points, and soon swell our 
population to 100,000. 

Besides having abundance of coal at fair rates wc 
have an almost inexhaustible supply of wood for fuel in 
the vast forests on both sides of the river adjacent to 
the city. Here too, hard timber is obtained at a com- 
paratively trifling expense, and saw mills convert it in- 
to lumber for use by the manufacturing establishments 
of the city. 

Pine lumber from the great lumber districts of Wis- 
consin is brought here annuallj^, and a supply equal to 
the necessities of the city is kept constantly on hand 
by our dealers. 

Notwithstanding that most of our buildings are 
brick edifices the amount of lumber used here annually 
is enormous. When we consider however that over 
500 buildings were erected in Quincy during the year 
1868, it is not surprising. The amount of lumber ship- 
ped from here annually is also very large, and with the 
completion of the three new railroads now organized, 
and preparing for work, Quincy is destined to become 
an important lumber mart. 

With the completion of these railroads comes as a 
matter of course, a large influx of laborers, mechanics 
and business men to swell our population and increase 
the local demand. Many too will be attracted here by 
the beauty and healthfulness of location, the compara- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 19 

lively small expense of living, the rare educational ad- 
vantages offered, and the guarantee of liberal remune- 
ration for labor in every field. 

The position of Quincy upon the Mississippi Elver 
enables her readily to import the raw material "which 
^oes to supply her manufactories. In addition to this 
great natural advantage which affords cheap and relia- 
ble means during three-fourths of the year, for the dis- 
tribution abroad of manufactured articles, as well as 
for the reception of materials, railroads are projected 
or built to the north, south, east and west, which when 
completed, which will be in a very short time, will 
prove an inestimable advantage to her manufacturing 
interest. On the west lies a country of unsurpassed 
fertility, of great extent, and rich in mineral resources, 
that must become tributary to her, if her citizens con- 
tinue to jiush forward her railroad enterprises in this 
direction with the energy heretofore displayed, and she 
will thus be put in possession not only of a large and 
profitable trade, but of a plentiful supply of the prod- 
ucts necessary to feed her work shops and factories. — 
Of these roads we propose to speak more in detail in a 
subsequent portion of this work. They are too import- 
ant to pass over with a cursory remark, and are of vi- 
tal interest to Quincy, not only as they relate to her 
manufacturing and commercial character, but in con- 
nection with every other department of social and in- 
dustrial advancement. The facts which have been brief- 
ly stated, are a few of the peculiarities of position which 
enables Quincy to manufacture with such cheapness as 
to compete successfully in their own fields with such 
cities as Pittsburg, Cincinnati and St. Louis, each of 



20 HISTORY or QUINCY. 

which she is gradually supplanting in places heretofore 
dependent upon them for their supplies. They are suf- 
ficient to establish that her resources as a manufactur- 
ing city are unexcelled, so far as facilities for produc- 
tion are concerned. With regard to means of distribu- 
tion she is equally fortunate. When we speak of her 
commercial facilities this will be apparent, for the same 
circumstances which favor the distribution of her wares^ 
conduce to render her commerce extensive and valu- 
able. 

Under the head of "Eailroads" and "Eiver Com- 
merce," we shall have occasion to note many items that 
argue the advantages of Quincy as a commercial and 
manufacturing center, and argue a future for her bright- 
er than the anticipations of her most sanguine friends. 



MERCANTILE AND MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 

In detailing the operations in the various mercantile 
and manufacturing departments of Quincy, we have 
used our utmost endeavors to obtain accurate figures 
and statements with a view to present our city in it& 
proper light, as well to the capitalist as to the produc- 
ing and laboring classes. In some cases we have been 
unable to procure as full statistics as we had hoped for, 
owing to the objections of many business men to mak- 
ing their operations and transactions public. With our 
leading manufacturing and business firms no such ob- 
jection has been raised, and we give a full and accurate 
report of the business of the year, which will in most 
instances be found less than an average of their annual 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 21 

operations. The cause of the discrepancy this year in 
many departments of trade and manufacture as com- 
pared with previous years is not that we have been less 
enterprising or more sorely afflicted with " hard times " 
than other localities, but may be readily traced to the 
general depression of business throughout the country 
the present year. 

In many departments of trade however, business has 
increased rather than decreased, and our leading man- 
ufacturing interests have prospered to a degree that 
far exceeded the anticipations of the most sanguine. 

The year just closing has added a number of colossal 
establishments to the mercantile interests of Quincy, 
and also several extensive manufacturing houses. — 
While other points have felt the severity of the times, 
there has been comparatively little complaint here, and 
our business men have done handsomely. This is the 
more gratifying when it is understood that on all sides 
it is conceded business must vastly increase from this 
time forward, and even in a greater ratio than in yeara 
past. Our hopes in this respect are not ill-founded, for 
with the completion of the four railroads now project- 
ed and guaranteed, Quincy must rapidly advance in 
population, wealth, and commercial importance. The 
best indication of our prospects however, is to be found 
in the daily augmentation of our population, and the 
fact that shrewd business men from all sections of the 
country are arriving here and establishing themselves 
in the various departments of trade. That they find 
inducements here not offered by any city of like 
size in the west, all who have visited Quincy and post- 
ed themselves in regard to her advantages and resour- 



22 HISTORY OP QUINCY. 

ces will readily admit. To those who have never troub- 
led themselves to inquire into the present position and 
future prospects of our city, we submit the facts and 
figures contained in this little volume as evidence of 
our commercial, manufacturing, and social status, con- 
fident that the exhibit will not be even approximated 
by any city of 40,000 inhabitants in the west. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 23 



MANUFACTURES. 



FL OUE. 

To no department of her manufactures is Quincy 
more largely indebted for the enviable reputation she 
has achieved as a manufacturing center, than to her 
milling interests. The manufacture of flour was com- 
menced earljMn her history, and the embryo "grist 
mill " established in 1824, by a shrewd yankee named 
Dr. Baker, has grown to be one of the most important 
manufacturing interests centered here. 

In this department a vast amount of capital is em- 
ployed, and the annual product of our milling establish- 
menjis is large. But not alone we have we a reputa- 
tion for the quantity of flour annually produced here, 
but the quality is such that it ranks with the famous 
brands of the countr^^. Everywhere the demand for it 
is greater than the suppl}^, and in Liverpool and other 
European markets it is known almost as v/ell as in our 
home markets. But the success that has crowned our 
manufactures in this line is not surprising or unaccount- 
able. Besides the vast capital engaged in building up 
this interest, and bringing it to its present pre-eminent 
position among the great flour marts of this country, 
the time, talent and labor of many of our most enter- 
prising citizens has been devoted to the same work for 



24 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

a score or more years. The costly and extensive estab- 
lishments employed in the manufacture of flour that 
tower up in Quincy now, were not all built in a day. — 
When Osborn, and Bagby and others who have been 
largely instrumental in making Quincy a great flour 
mart commenced that arduous w^ork, they operated in 
no sueh noble structures as the present "Eagle," " Tel- 
lico," or "Castle" mills, but were confined to more 
modest and less capacious establishments. However, 
with such men, no matter how humble their beginning, 
success was only a question of time. Eipe with sagac- 
ity, full of energy, and alive with enterprise, each year 
witnessed some new improvement, some needed addi- 
tion to their establishments, until almost unperceived, 
success was achieved, and they found themselves at the 
head of colossal mills, not surpassed by those of the 
great cities of the east. There was no longer any ques- 
tion as to the feasibility of profitably manufacturing 
flour in Quincj^, and many embarked in the enterprise. 
AVe have now ten establishments engaged in its manu- 
facture, most of them model concerns, with all the im- 
provements which experience has recommended. Sev- 
eral of these mills, the Eagle, Castle, Tellico, Cit}^ &c., 
have a capacity of 300 barrels per day, and all of these 
are almost constantly kept running. 

A magnificent area of wheat country surrounds 
Quincy, and the quality of the wheat raised is of the 
very best. Much excellent wheat is also brought here 
annually from Minnesota and Wisconsin by the river 
at a moderate cost of transportation, and is converted 
into flour by our mills. 

The demand for Quincy flour comes from all quarters, 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 25 

and is always in excess of the supply, and while much 
of it in the transmutations of commerce finds its way 
to the seaboard and across the Atlantic, other large 
quantities of it go westward over the plains and to the 
Eocky Mountains. In Salt Lake City this flour is large- 
ly consumed, and is reported to give better satisfaction 
than any that is offered to the saints and prophets of 
that remarkable place. 

The manufacture of flour is now carried on by the 
following firms, who have met with merited success. — < 
They are among the most energetic and enterprising 
of our citizens, and the future cannot but add to their 
prosperity and success. 

NAME OF MILLS. FIRM. CAPACITT PER DAT. 

Eagle Mills W. H. Osborn & Co., 350 barrels. 

Castle Mills Bagby & Wood, 300 

Tellico Mills Dick Bros., 350 

City Mills C. E. "Whitmore 300 

Star Mills Wheeler & Cruttenden, 100 

Quincy Mills Monning Bros., 100 

City Springs Mills W. Hunerwadel, 100 

Centre Mills, Allen & Whyers, 300 

Farmers' Mills Crockett & Mason 150 

Royal Mills Osborn & Naylor, 

The past year there has been less done by our mills 
than any season for ten years previous, and w^e there- 
fore refrain from publication of the year's operations, 
as it would not be anything like a fair average. They 
have however given employment to 130 hands, and 
have done a profitable business. The capital invested 
is about $400,000. 



26 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



EX'&QV. J&M^ WQQB» '* FdTSBS OF' Qt'i^cr. 



Id the sketch we are about to give of Ex-Governor 
John Wood, who is aj)propriately called the "Father of 
Quincy," we are well aware that we will not do full jus- 
tice to that venerable citizen, to whom more than any 
other Quincy is indebted for all she is and expects to 
be. But while we may not fill the measure of expec- 
tation in the minds of our readers, it will require little 
effort to lay before them a sketch replete with interest- 
ing facts and remarkable events in the life of one, 
around whose name cluster so many glorious recollec- 
tions and memorable associations. Although we know 
that we could do him no greater displeasure than pub- 
lish his virtues and great deeds to the world, it is a 
duty we owe our readers who venerate and love the 
man, to award a prominent place in this work to the 
founder, friend, and " Father of Quinc3\" 

Few men have passed through a more eventful ca- 
reer than the Hon. John Wood. Born in 1795, in the 
State of New York, he had scarcely passed the age of 
maturity, when we find him tracking across the great 
wilds of the north-west to the sparsely settled Yalley 
of the Mississippi. In the fall of 1821, he arrived in 
the neigborhood of the now f)opulous City of Quinc}'', 
with two companions, one of whom owned some land 
in the vicinity. At once impressed with the beauty of 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 27 

the spot, and its admirable geographical position, he 
resolved, in his own words, to "settle here for life." — 
The succeeding fall he returned, and erected the first 
house within the present bounds of Quincy. In the 
spring following, Mr. Wood was joined by a family 
from New York, and shortly after Willard Keyes and 
John Droullard, a Frenchman, were added to the little 
settlement. At that time there was no w^iite settle- 
ment within sixty miles of Quincy on the south, or 
forty on the north. 

In 1825 through the efforts of John Wood, the coun- 
ty of Adams was organized, and the little settlement 
Avas fixed upon as the County Seat, and christened in 
honor of the President, "Quincy." 

Thus early John Wood manifested an untiring zeal 
for the advancement and prosperity of the young set- 
tlement, and from that time until now, his zeal for the 
improvement and success of Quincy, has not abated the 
least. 

In the spring of ISI-I, John Wood was elected Mayor 
of the city, and so efficiently and faithfully did he serve 
the city in that position, that he was elected for three 
successive terms following. In 1852, he was again cal- 
led to the helm of city affairs, and in 1853 was re-elect- 
ed. Three years having elapsed he was again called 
by the people of Quincy to the mayoralty, and admin- 
istered the affairs of the city with the same success and 
satisfaction for which he was proverbial. 

But the reputation of John Wood was not confined 
to Quincy alone, for throughout the State he was rec- 
ognized as one of its greatest and best citizens. Being 
an ardent Whig in 1856, he was nominated on the 



28 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

ticket with Gov. Bissell, for Lieutenant Governor, and 
elected. The former dying, the duties of Governor de- 
volved upon the latter, and he performed them with 
signal ability. 

At the outbreak of the war in 1861, Gov. Wood be- 
ing an ardent advocate of the cause of the Union, was 
appointed Quarter Master General of the State of Illi- 
nois. His devotion to the soldiers of Illinois, and his 
efforts to alleviate their sufferings on the field and in 
the hospitals of the country, are a part of the records 
of Illinois patriotism. 

But, unimpeachable as has been the public life of Gov. 
Wood, his j^rivate life has been pregnant with noble 
deeds and generous works that are not paled by his 
most distinguished services in behalf of the city, state, 
or nation. 

Eminent for his great qualities of head and heart, his 
munificent donations to the charitable institutions of 
Quincy, and his liberal encouragement of every worthy 
enterprise, are household words in the city. 

Advanced to the ripe old age of 74, with a constitu- 
tion still vigiorous and active, Gov. Wood has the proud 
privilege of witnessing the growth in beauty, w^ealth and 
dignity of the city tbat he, with wondrous sagacity, 
planted nearly fifty-eight years ago. A man of sterling 
integrity, and a radical advocate of right. Gov. Wood 
is kind aud affable in his disposition, and in his declin- 
ing years cnjo^^s the friendship and veneration of all 
who know him. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 29 



TOBACCO MANUFACTOEIES. 

Among the most prominent features in the manufac- 
tnring list is that of Tobacco. Four large establish- 
ments are at present in active operation, employing an 
actual capital of $345,000, with gross sales exceeding 
$1,300,000, as well as giving constant employment to 
560 hands. The tobacco manufactured in these estab- 
ments reaches every market in the Union, commanding 
the highest prices, owing to the admirable adaptation 
of this climate to that particular business, as well as 
the superior business qualifications of the proprietors, 
whose thorough knowledge of the business has been 
gained by long experience and close application, allow- 
ing no improvement to escape them, regardless of 
trouble or expense, and hence their great success. — 
Hundreds of little boys and girls find constant employ- 
ment in these establishments, thus enabling them to 
earn not only a living for themselves, but also to 
furnish food and raiment for their widowed mothers 
and smaller brothers and sisters, who would otherwise 
be thrown upon the cold charities of the public, and 
would of necessity suffer not only for food, but also 
from the chilly blasts of winter. 

No less than two of these establishments have agents 
in the Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky tobacco mar- 
kets, whose business it is to purchase the very best of 
tobacco sold in these markets. Therefore they are en- 



30 HISTORY or QUINCY. 

abled to supply their customers with the very best 
brands that can be found in any market in the Union. 
The following are the factories now in operation and 
the names of firms operating the same. 

PACTORT. Preu. 

Eclipse Tobacco Works J. E. Harris & Co. 

Empire Tobacco Works Harris, Beebe & Co. 

Liberty Tobacco Works Binkert Bros. & Ware. 

Gem City Tobacco Works Thos. H. Collins & Co. 

National Tobacco Works H. E. Jansen & Co. 

Besides the above named, which are devoted exclu- 
sively to the manufacture of plug tobacco, we have in 
our city two factories engaged in manufacturing smok- 
ing tobacco. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 31 



OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



Few of the prominent business men of Quincy have 
had 80 uninterrupted a career of prosperity as the sub- 
ject of this sketch. 

Hon. Thomas Jasper is a native of the State of Ken- 
tucky, and came to Quincy from that State in 1837, 
being then a young man, just starting in life. Like 
most of the now " solid men " of our city, Mr Jasper'^ 
capital on his arrival in Quincy consisted of a vigorous 
constitution, a brave heart and a determined spirit, and 
with these he began the conflict of life. Shortly after 
locating here he was elected constable, and filled that 
position until 1840, when he was elected sheriff of Ad- 
ams county. At the expiration of his term of office as 
sheriff, he invested what funds he had accumulated in 
a stock of groceries, and opened a store. For ten 
years he devoted himself to merchandising, and then 
retiring from mercantile business, bought an interest 
in the distillery on the Bay, known as " King's." On 
the death of Mr. King, Mr. Jasper succeeded to the 
ownership and management of the entire business, and 
as was invariably the case, with whatever he was con- 
nected, it yielded handsome profits. 



32 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

In 1860, Mr. Jasper was elected Mayor of Quincy, 
and in 1868 was chosen as one of the representatives in 
the State Legislature from Adams County. We have 
above traced briefly some of the steps in his life in 
Quincy, but much more remains to be said that might 
be better said by an abler pen. Through his entire 
career as officer, merchant, manufacturer, mayor or leg- 
islator, he was ever active and faithful, and retained 
the confidence of the entire community. Now one of 
the wealthiest of our citizens, he is indebted alone to 
his own exertions for what he possesses, and none con- 
tribute with a more liberal hand to any enterprise that 
promises to improve the status of Quincy, socially or 
otherwise. An earnest advocate of railroads, his time 
and means have been liberally given to forward them, 
and for the past few months it is well known that he 
has worked with a zeal surpassed by none in behalf of 
the proposed new roads. One of the founders of the 
Quincy Savings Bank, now the First ISTational, he is at 
present Vice President of that solid institution. 

In personal appearance Mr. Jasper presents a fine 
type of the substantial business man. With an open 
inviting countenance, a massive forehead and a piercing 
eye, his face indicates the man — frank, generous and 
determined, a genial gentleman, an irreproachable cit- 
izen, a steadfast friend, such is the Hon. Thomas Jasper, 
than whom Quincy boasts no better man. 



HISTORY or QUINCY. 33 



MACHINE SHOPS. 



It was to be expected that in a city devoted so large- 
ly to manufactures as Quincy, there would be establish- 
ments for turning out the machinery and implements 
demanded in every branch of manufactures. That ex- 
pectation has however been more than realized, for not 
only have we extensive machine shops, but we have 
also mechanics, whose skill and genius have made them 
famous wherever steam is employed as a motive power, 
or wherever the steam engine is found. More than 
this, our machine shops are now and have been for 
years shipping to all parts of the west their machines 
and implements. Nor are we to wonder at the demand 
for Quincy work in this line. All the establishments 
devoted to this branch of manufactures are models in 
every respect, provided with every facility and improve- 
ment, and managed by master mechanics. Eut while 
our machine shops have performed a noble part in 
building up our city and in supplying localities all thro' 
the west with the means of forwarding their develop- 
ment and growth, they have not rested there. Not 
content to shape and build that which the minds of 
others had conceived, Quincy genius has itself been 
active in the field of invention, and from our dusky 
workshops have sj)rung inventions and improvements 
in mechanism to which humanity is indebted for their 
time, labor and life saving character. 

The celebrated "Automaton Steam Governor," pat- 
ented by Eobert W. Gardner, Esq., of this city, and 

3 



Si HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

which is used all over the coiitiuent, may be cited aa 
BO ordinary achievement in mechanism. 

In the same connection may be mentioned the fam- 
ous "Iron Barge" for transporting grain in bulk, in- 
vented by John Williams, Esq., of Quincy, and which 
was awarded the first prize by the committee of old 
and experienced shippers and steamboat men at tho 
great St. Louis fair of 1868, a score or more contestants 
being present, 

So well is the reputation of our machine shops es- 
tablished that they are kept constantly busy with large 
forces of men, supplying the steady and increasing de- 
mand for work in their line. This demand comes from 
almost every section of the states west of us, and even 
Chicago and St. Louis draw on Quincy for steam en- 
gines, &c., occasionally. All work in this department 
is turned out in the best possible style, and will compare 
in strength, durability, and finish with any from the 
oldest and best establishments of the east, 

At present the following firms are engaged in manu- 
facturing machinery and doing a general machine 
business :— John Williams ct Co., Gardner & Eobertson, 
S. G. Tyler, M. T. Greenleaf, Worrell, Bert & Co., W. 
Hagen, J. Schaffner, P. Schwcbel. These establish- 
ments employ constantly about 360 hands, and do a 
business of $1,050,000 a year. The capital invested in 
this branch of manufactures is $240,000. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 35 



FOUNDRIES. 

We have in our city several extensive foundrieSj but 
most of them are connected with machine shops, and 
properly come under that head. Others are separate 
and distinct, and all are managed by experienced and 
skillful mechanics. They are prepared to turn out all 
classes of work in iron and brass, and in the best possi- 
ble style. In this line improvement has been more 
marked than in perhaps any branch of manufactures, 
and there is scarcely any article or implement used in 
mechanism that cannot be obtained here. Brass mold- 
ing is now extensively carried on at these establish- 
ments, and is executed in a high order of workmanship 
and finish. 

It is onh^ within a few years that our mechanics 
have attempted work of this class, but they have been 
so successful in the undertaking that they have enlarg- 
ed their facilities, and gone into it on an extensive 
scale. They have already built up a large trade, and 
we have now in successful operation an extensive es- 
tablishment for the sale of machinist's supplies, iron 
and brass finishings, &c. Here, everj^thing needed in 
the largest manufacturing establishment can be had at 
more advantageous rates than in larger cities, and the 
prospect is fair to make Quincj^ the base of supplies for 
goods in this line of a vast section of the west. 

The following firms are now carrying on foundries, 
but as much of the products of their establishments 
has been estimated under the head of Machine Shops^ 



36 HISTORY or QUINCY. 

it is not deemed necessary to restate the amount of work 
turned out by them : — John Williams & Co. ; M. T. 
Greenleaf ; Smith, Hayner & Co.; Worrell, Bert & Co.; 
E. Sien ; P. Lally. 

These firms employ a large number of hands, most 
of whom have also been included in the estimate of 
those engaged in the manufacture of machinery. 



STOVES. 

In the manufacture of Stoves and Hollow AYare 
Quincy ranks second to no city west of Pittsburg for 
the amount of work annually turned out. The estab- 
lishments devoted to this branch of manufactures are 
built on an extensive scale, and are provided with all 
the improvements and appurtenances that long years 
of skillful management have suggested as most desir- 
able. The best mechanics that the country affords are 
employed here, and receive handsome wages for their 
labor. 

The vast territory that seeks Quincy for supplies in 
this line has necessitated a yearly increase in the amount 
of stoves manufactured, and our foundries have repeat- 
edly enlarged their facilities for supplying this demand. 
We have now one of the largest stove foundries in the 
Union, and all in operation here employ large forces of 
hands. The success that has attended our manufactur- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 37 

ers in this department is more than flattering, and th® 
future promises even brighter results than have yet 
been achieved. Trade continues to enlarge annuallj 
and stoves from this market are now shipped to all 
points in the Mississippi Yalley and in the states and 
territories west. Wherever they have been introduced, 
satisfaction is guaranteed, and a foothold once gained, 
a permanent trade is established. 

Quincy owes much to the enterprising proprietors 
and managers of these extensive establishments, as they 
have been vastly beneficial to her, and have been sec- 
ond to no other interest in building up our city, and in- 
creasing its wealth and power. Besides the large 
amount annually paid out to mechanics, and thus dis- 
tributed through the channels of commerce, this branch 
of manufactures has added material wealth to Quincy 
in the colossal establishments erected by the enterpris- 
ing men engaged in it. Few even of our own citizens 
have an idea of the extent of this business, and wq 
therefore give some items of information below. 

This year the stove foundries of our city employed 
314 hands and manufactured 36,400 stoves, which at an 
average of $13 a piece amounts to $473,200. The fol- 
lowing are the firms now engaged in this branch of 
manufactures : — Comstock, Castle & Co. ; Bonnet & 
Duffy ; Excelsior "Works, (co-operative,) ; Thomas 
White. 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 



OR. " MEN OF MARK " IN QUINCY. 



Quincy Las bad a large share in shaping the destinies 
and administering the affairs of the nation, and many 
of her citizens have rendered eminent service in her 
councils of state. Of these none have had so extended 
and eventful a career as the Hon. Wm. A. Eichardson. 

Born in Kentucky in 1811, he came to Illinois in 
1831, and thus early commenced the practice of law, 
in Shelby County, although not quite out of his teens. 
His success at the bar was so marked that in 1834 the 
Legislature elected him to the responsible position of 
State's Attorney. This position he resigned in 1836, 
on his election to the Legislature from Schuyler Coun- 
ty. In 1838 he was again sent by his constituents to 
the Lecrislature, this time as a member of the Senate, 
where he served four years. Two years having expired 
he was a second time elected to the House of Eepresen- 
tatives, and upon its organization was elected speaker. 
The same year he was one of the Presidential Electors 
on the Democratic ticket. 

On the breaking out of the war with Mexico Mr. 
Eichardson, although just at the spring-tide of political 
preferment, with the honors and emoluments of office 
within his grasp, resolved to espouse the cause of his 



HISTORY OF QUINCy. 39 

country on the field of strife. Eaising a company, he 
at once went to the front and did noble service. Devot- 
ed to his men, a brave and humane officer, on the field 
of Buena Yista he was for gallant conduct promoted to 
the position of Lieutenant Colonel by the unanimous 
voice of his regiment. 

Returning home with the laurels of the field, exalted 
honors awaited him, and he was promptly elected to 
Congress to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resig- 
nation of Judge Douglas. Ee-elected in 1S48. and for 
three successive terms immediatel}' following, Col. 
ilichardson continued in Congress until 1856, and was 
a recognized leader of his party in that body. On his 
retirement from Congress, he Avas nominated by the 
Democracy of Illinois for Governor, but was defeated 
by Gov. Bissell. the majority of the latter being only 
3000. 

The administration of President Buchanan coming 
into power, he was in 1857, appointed by the President 
Governor of the then territory of Nebraska. This po- 
sition however he retained only one year, when he 
again returned to Quincy. Here in ISGO he again re- 
ceived the nomination, and was again elected to Con- 
gress where he served until 1863, when he resigned to 
accept a seat in the United States Senate to which he 
had been elected to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
death of the lamented Douglas. The political complex- 
ion of the State and Nation having undergone a great 
change, and the Republican party being in the ascend- 
ant in both, at the expiration of his term in the Senate, 
Col. Richardson sought the retirement of liis home in 
Quinc3^ 



40 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Although this remarkable man has passed through 
the eventful and distinguished career here briefly 
sketched, he is still vigorous in mind and body, and is 
destined to yet do valuable service in the interests of 
the nation. A man of warm and generous impulses, of 
powerful intellect and bold ideas. Col. Eichardson hai 
at all times wielded a giant influence with the masses, 
and has found few equals as a stump orator, while in 
the great councils of his party his native eloquence 
has been no less potent. Few men have had more de- 
voted followers in the arena of politics; and of all the 
great men with whom he has mingled, none have been 
more steadfast to principle and party than the Hon. 
Wm. A. Eichardson. 



HISTORY OF QUINCT. 41 



BEEWERIES. 

With the large German element of Quincy it was not 
unnatural to suppose there would be an active demand 
for beer. Such is the fact, but it is a question whether the 
Germans, or other nationalities of Quincy consume the 
most. One fact is apparent, that all classes of our citi- 
zens enjoy this beverage as heartily as those of Teu- 
tonic extraction. But as the drink is decidedly, and by 
common consent German, Quinc}^ with almost half its 
population German, could not well exist without a fair 
share of breweries for the manufacture of the same. — 
We have these then in abundance, and all are model 
establishments, one or two of them not being second to 
any in the west, in capacity and facilities for making- 
beer. In quality Quincy beer ranks with the best arti- 
cle manufactured, and hence the great and growing de- 
mand from abroad. All points on the railroads diverg- 
ing from here, and also for a considerable distance uj) 
and down the Mississippi obtain their supplies from our 
breweries, and as far west as St. Joseph and Leaven- 
worth the foaming beverage from Quincy establish- 
ments is sold. Each year witnesses an increase in the 
demand, and a consequent increase of the supply. Sev- 
eral of our breweries have been compelled to add to 
their capacity annually for several years, so constantly 
has their trade augmented. The manufacturers in this 
line need make no exertion whatever to dispose of their 
beer, as almost invariably towards the close of the 



42 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

season they are compelled to husband their supply in 
order to fill their orders. This trade moreover is des- 
tined to be permanent, for the men engaged in the bus- 
iness are of the energetic and enterprising type, who 
will not fail to maintain the reputation they have 
already established for the product of their breweries. 

The following are the firms now engaged in this 
branch of manufacture. 

Dick Bros. ; Eber & Hoering; C. Fischer ; A. L. Lu- 
ther ; J. Luther & Co. ; Euff Bros. & Co. ; H. Eupp. 

These employ an aggregate capital of $335,000, and 
manufacture annually 207,000 kegs of beer. One hun- 
dred and seventy hands also find employment in these 
establishments. 



PAPER. 

One of the youngest enterprises in Quincy is the 
manufacture of paper, which is carried on successfully. 
Within a few years two extensive factories have been 
erected at an enormous expenditure of money, and fit- 
ted up with the best machinery and equipments to be 
had in the country. These factories have facilities for 
manufacturing all qualities of straw, wrapping and 
newspaper, and have, in the short time they have been 
in operation built up a splendid trade. Only one is now 
in oj^eration, although the other is ready to commence 
running at any time. In this trade our manufacturers 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 4S 

find it an easy matter to compete with eastern houses, 
as the}^ manufacture equally as good paper, and can 
supply points at the west at more advantageous rates. 
The past year has not been an active one in this branch, 
but with a few seasons of successful work, our mills will 
establish a reputation for the products of their estab- 
lishments that will attract the trade to Quincy, and 
make it a leading paper mart. There is every reason 
why it should be, as material and labor are obtained 
here cheaper than at rival points, and the facilities for 
manufacturing on the river bank are such as to induce 
others to embark in the enterprise. One thing alone is 
necessary to make the manufacture of paper profitable, 
i\nd that is capital sufficient to run a mill steadily. 

The two mills now located here are model ones in 
every respect, and are owned and managed by men of 
business skill and enterprise. The firms are II. A. 
Geise & Son, and Woodruff & Boyd. At present, one 
of these mills being idle, no estimate of the amount of 
annual work done by them can be obtained. 



44 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



OR "xMEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



A history of the bar of Quincy would form an inter- 
esting volume, and to do full justice to the eminent mea 
ivhose achievements in jurisprudence have shed lustre 
upon that distinguished body, would be a work worthy 
the most gifted pen in the land. Here many of the 
ablest and most erudite lawyers of Illinois won their 
first laurels, and began the conflict of life in which 
they have won renown, reflecting credit and honor 
alike upon themselves and their chosen state. 

Pre-eminent among these chieftains of the bar whoso 
fame has become national stands Hon. O. H. Browning, 
the subject of this sketch. As early as 1831 Mr. Brown- 
ing left his native state, Kentucky, and armed with his 
license, located in Quincy as a member of the bar. 
With a clear mind, full of industry and energy, he was 
not slow in merging into prominence, even among the 
great intellects who were accustomed to make the tour 
of this circuit — which then embraced Quincy, Chicago, 
Galena, &c. His reputation once established, a lucra- 
tive practice rewarded his fidelity and industry, and 
political honors sought him. 

In August, 1836, he was elected to the Senate of Illi- 
nois, and served four years in that body. About this 
time Nehemiah Bushnell, his present law partner, ar- 
rived in Quincy, and in 1837 the law partnership was 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 45 

formed, which has continued 32 years, and still exists. 
In 1842 Mr. Browning was again elected to the State 
Legislature, serving two years as a member of the 
House. He however allowed nothing to divert his at- 
tention from his law practice, but devoted himself 
assiduously to the interests of his clients. With the 
intermission of making unsuccessful canvasses, as the 
Whig candidate for Congress, Mr. Browning, figured 
but little in the political arena from 1844 to 1861. 

Upon the death of Judge Douglas, Governor Yates 
selected Mr. Browning as the fittest person to succeed 
that lamented statesman in the Senate of the United 
States. Eetiring from the Senate he opened a law 
oflSce at the National Capital, associating himself with 
Senator Cowan of Pennsylvania. He continued there 
until 1866, w^hen President Johnson reorganizing his 
Cabinet, called Mr. Browning to the responsible posi- 
tion of Sv^cretary of the Interior. This position he 
retained until the close of Mr. Johnson's term, adminis- 
tering its voluminous affairs with signal success. Ke- 
turning home, Mr. Browning had determined on a pe- 
riod of retirement and rest, after the arduous labors de- 
volving on him while a Cabinet Officer, but his old 
friends and fellow citizens again made a requisition 
upon his time and talent by electing him a member of 
the Constitutional Convention of Illinois. 

Thus briefly we have noted some of the events in the 
life of one of the distinguished men of the ''country. — 
Quincy may well be proud of so eminent a citizen, who 
having filled the most exalted stations in the gift of 
the State and Nation retires the acknowledged peer 
of the greatest statesman of his time. 



46 HISTORY OF QUINCY 



THEIR CARE AND EDUCATION — WOODLAND HOME — ST. 
ALOYSIUS ASYLUM. 



In matters of public enterprise and public charity 
the citizens of Quincy have been as liberal as in pri^ 
vate affairs. Nothing that has been introduced to the 
notice of our citizens that directl}^ or indirectly prom- 
ised to advance the interests of the city but what has 
received their cordial encouragement and support, 
and in like manner they have with Christian liberali- 
ty, responded to the calls of charity. 

Every city that has attained the size and importance 
of our own, finds within its borders numbers of young 
and helpless children who, without parents or friends, 
are obliged to seek protection and assistance at the 
hands of the public. This being the case, our citizens, 
with a liberality proverbial in them, several years ago 
turned their attention to the cause of the orphans. 



ST. ALOYSIUS SOCIETY. 

Something over eleven years ago a society was form- 
ed among the members of ehe German Catholic Church 
in this city, and by an act of the Legislature it was in- 
corporated under the name of St. Aloysius Orphan 
Society. The society at once set to work with a zeal 



HISTORY or QUINCY. 47 

peculiar to the people, and after accumulating a large 
fund from annual picnics and entertainments, two years 
ago began the erection of an Asylum devoted to the or- 
phans of Quincy without regard to clime or creed. 
The building was speedily completed and the society 
at once engaged a band of Sisters belonging to the 
order of " Sisters of Notre Dame" to assume control of 
the same. They began their work four years ago, and 
since that time have devoted themselves to the good 
work of caring for and educating the orphans placed 
under their charge. The Asylum is located on the cor- 
ner of Twentieth and Yine streets, is a plain but large 
and commodious structure, three stories high w^ith a 
fine basement, and has a lot of 300 feet square surround- 
ing it. It contains fourteen rooms which are respect- 
tively reception room, parlor, work rooms, play rooms, 
refectory, school room, chapel, dormitory, &c. 

The reception room is neat and convenient, — the par- 
lor is large and airy and the dormitories are spacious 
and well ventilated and are furnished with neat and 
comfortable single beds for the use of the orphans. 

The work room is devoted, we may say, exclusively 
to the use of girls, and they are taught here the use of 
the needle, and also gain an insight into household af- 
fairs. The room is appropriately furnished. A school 
room, where they are given an ordinary English educa- 
tion, is an other interesting department of the asylum, 
and here the orphans, both boys and girls, are collected 
each day for intellectual training. The result is that 
when they leave the institution, even though they have 
no immediate friends, they are prepared to battle 
through life and hew out a destiny for themselves. A 



48 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

splended refectory is also a feature of the St. Aloysius 
Asylum, and here the little orphans are served with 
plain and substantial food, prepared by the good sisters. 
That they are are amply provided, no better evidence is 
needed than the hearty appearance presented by them 
as they circulate through the building. 

Two dormitories are provided, one for the boys, the 
other for the girls. Tiers of single beds range through 
them, and as they are each surrounded with tidy cur- 
tains, they present a pleasant appearance. There is also 
a Chapel where the ceremonies of the Catholic church 
are daily held, and though orphans of every clime and 
creed are admitted to the asylum they are not obliged 
to profess the Catholic faith to receive its benefits, yet 
they are required to attend the services in the chapel 
each day in order that they may not interfere with the 
discipline of the establishment. 

As we have said the asylum was erected by the St. 
Aloysious Orphan Society, but that society has been 
aided in its work of charity by the citizens of Quincy 
without regard to sect or nationality. Every one of 
our citizens have added their mite to the munificent 
sum expended by this society in the erection and main- 
tainance of this institution that has been such a source 
of good in the community. The labor of conducting 
the establishment has devolved upon the Sisters in 
charge, who at present number seven, under the supe- 
riorship of Sister Mary HypoUita. These Sisters have 
devoted their lives to the work of protecting and edu- 
cating the 3^oung and helpless, and are zealously giving 
their time and talents to the cause. Whatever may be 
the opinion of the people in regard to the sect and or- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 49 

der to which they belong, the Sisters of Notre Dame 
deserve great praise for the self-sacrificing spirit they 
display in the cause of charity. 



WOODLAND HOME. 

Although we have devoted considerable space and 
time to the Sisters de Notre Dame and the Asylum un- 
der their control, still they have not been alone in the 
good work, nor is theirs the only one of the kind in our 
flourishing city. Woodland Home was incorporated 
by an act of the Legislature of Illinois, on the 14th of 
February, 1855. 

At a meeting of the trustees of " Woodland Home 
for the Orphans and Friendless," held at the First Con- 
gregational Church, Quincy, Illinois, at 8 o'clock p. m., 
on the 1st day of July, 1859 : 

Present — John Wood, Willard Keyes, Frederick Col- 
lins, Joel Rice, Hiram Rogers, Newton Flagg, Elijah 
Gove, John Wheeler, and Orville H. Browning. 

On motion, Hon. John Wood was called to the chair, 
and O. H. Browning appointed Secretary. 

Being thus organized, a constitution for the govern- 
ment of said corporation was unanimously adopted. 

Deciding afterwards to make the care of orphans and 
friendless women a speciality, they changed the name 
in 1855, to the Woodland Home for Orphans and Friend- 
less Women. 

From that time to this, regular meetings have been 
held, and each month one lady has devoted herself to 
the care and interests of the Home. A very efficient 
4 



50 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

corps of ladies has managed the charities of the Society. 
Its operations have been carried on amid great vicisi- 
tndes and discouragement. For years they had no 
building for a Home, and boarded their children in fam- 
ilies where kind people could be found to care for and 
look after the moral and physical wants of the little 
ones. 

Many times the hindrances in their path seemed in- 
surmountable, but a way was always made for their 
feet when the time came to go forward. INow, after 
nearly sixteen years of arduous labor, the}' wish to tes- 
tify to the care of God, and the sympathy and aid of 
the community. Though often brought very low, the 
barrel of meal was never quite wasted, and the garment 
has always been supplied which was needed to secure 
comfort or covering. It was, and still is the intention 
of the Society, to erect on the five acre lot purchased of 
Hon. John Wood for this purpose, suitable buildings for 
the Woodland Home. Hiram Eogers, Esq., recently 
deceased, generousl}^ bestowed $5,000 to the Society, 
and they have been repeatedly placed under obligations 
for evidences of liberality towards the Home. 

Unable at present to erect such buildings as they 
deemed adequate to the wants of the Society and wor- 
thy of Quincy, they purchased in 1867 the residence of 
the late George Brown, situated on Fifth and Washing- 
ton streets, at a cost of $15,500. Here there is a large, 
commodious and well ventilated building, with 14 rooms 
and a yard 200 feet square. 

The Society has at all times had more or less orphans 
and helpless friendless persons under its control. These 
children are all educated, and their moral training is 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 51 

well provided for. Each Sabbath they attend the Con- 
gregational Sabbath School, and there are early imbued 
with the truths of religion. 

These two institutions are and should be the pride of 
our citizens as they are living monuments to our christ- 
ian enterprise. They are the trumpets that speak the 
fame of a people, who out of the abundance of their 
possessions give to the friendless and destitute orphans, 
and who, in building hereupon the banks of the mighty 
Mississippi a great city, have not forgotten the teach- 
ings of religion and humanity, 



52 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



OR "MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY." 



Though one of the youngest of those whose names- 
appear in this work on account of their efforts in be- 
half of Quincy and Quincy enterprises, the subject of 
this sketch stands second to none as a citizen of enter- 
prise, energy, and public spirit. 

Maitland Boon was born in Watertown, New York, 
in 1834, and there, after leaving college began his ex- 
perience in business. He first entered a drug house, 
and devoted himself to that business for two years, 
when an opportunity offering he accepted the position 
of discount clerk in the Union Bank of Watertown. — 
His time in this position was however brief, and at the 
expiration of two years he was called by the manage- 
ment of the bank to the important and responsible po- 
sition of cashier. This position Mr. Boon filled with 
credit to himself and profit to the institution, until 
1856, when he decided to cast his fortunes with the 
growing west. It was in this year that he came to 
Quincy and loca.tvd. Tendered the position of cashier 
of the Bank of Quincy, he accepted, and during his 
connection with the same manager! its affairs with a 
judgment and ability that stamped him as an able finan- 
cier. Eetiring from the bank, Mr. Boon established 
himself in the saddlery and harness business, conduct- 
ing one of the most extensive manufactories of this 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 63 

kind in the west. During the war he did a mammoth 
business in the manufacture of army equipments, filling 
large contracts for the government. In 1865 the office 
of mayor of Quincy becoming vacant, Mr. Boon, then 
an alderman from the second ward, was appointed to 
that position, So ably did he fulfill the important trust 
confided to him, and so satisfactorily discharge its du- 
ties that in the following spring he was elected by an 
overwhelming majority to the mayorality. The last 
year he officiated as executive of the city with even 
greater success than the first, and won enthusiastic 
encomiums from citizens of both parties for his admira- 
ble management of city afi'airs. 

Although a large share of his attention while mayor 
was unavoidably absorbed by city matters, Mr. Boon 
did not during that period neglect his own aff'airs, but 
did an extensive business in the manufacture and sale of 
harness, saddles, &c. Soon after the expiration of his 
term of office, Mr. Boon, feeling in comnion with many 
of the citizens of Quincy the necessity of having in our 
city a first-class hotel, obtained a lease of the famous 
Quincy House, then unoccupied, and after furnishing it 
in elegant style, and improving it in every department, 
opened it to the public. For two years he has manag- 
ed this house in admirable style, and won golden laurels 
as a successful and popular landlord. Although but 35 
years, of age Mr. Boon has had a varied career as a bus- 
iness man and financier. A man of warm and generous 
impulses, of a genial and social nature, Maitland Boon is 
also a man of untiring energy and enterprise, making 
at once the valuable citizen and popular gentleman. 



54 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



DISTILLEEIES. 

Before the war several extensive distilleries were 
almost continually in operation and turned out annually 
immense quantities of highwines, besides feeding great 
numbers of cattle and hogs. Even after the war had 
commenced, and the revenue system had been intro- 
duced, two of these establishments continued to operate 
night and day, consuming vast quantities of corn, and 
employing a large number of hands. The operation of 
the revenue system, however, working disadvantageous- 
ly to them, they were finally compelled to cease work, 
in order to save themselves. Dishonest manufacturers 
multiplied so rapidly throughout the country, and 
frauds upon the revenue were so extensive, that to 
manufacture highwines honestly, and at the same time 
make it profitable, was an impossibility. Our distil- 
leries, that had been paying the government as high as 
S150,000 a month tax, therefore closed. Since the re- 
duction of the taxes and the perfection of the revenue 
system, they have occasionally operated for a short 
time, but have not run steadily or to their full capacity. 
This is the more unfortunate at the present time, as it 
not only robs our farmers of a splendid market for their 
corn, but also throws a number of hands out of employ- 
ment. One of the most important manufacturing in- 
terests of our city and one in which a vast amount of 
capital is invested, it has added large material wealth 
to Qaincy. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 55 

Both of the firms now owning distilleries here are 
comprised of solid and enterprising citizens, who will 
not allow their establishments to remain idle lontr, 
when they can afford to operate them. 

These firms are: Charles H. Curtis & Co., and Cramer 
& Brockschmidt. Yery little work has been done this 
year, and we therefore make no estimate. 



CAREIAGES. 

This is another department of Quincy manufactures 
in which the superior skill and workmanship of our 
mechanics have won an enviable reputation for them- 
selves and the city. It is but a few 3'ears ago that 
some of our shrewdest citizens then eng-aired in the 
munufacture of carriages, concluded to retire from it, 
feeling that it was next to impossible to compete in 
this branch with eastern cities, where the work had 
been, through long years of experience, brought to a 
high degree of perfection. Notwithstanding this, other 
indomitable spirits engaged in the enterprise, and fol- 
lowed it through years of experiment and uncertainty 
to the pinnacle of success. IS'ow it is one of the im- 
portant branches of our manufactures, and has done as 
much as any one thing to introduce Quincy favorably 
to the outside world. Wherever carriages bearing the 
brand of our factories are sold, and they are to be seen 
almost everywhere west of the Mississippi, and in the 



56 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

cities and towns adjacent to it, they are known for their 
strength, durability and high style of finish. This bus- 
iness has now become a marked success here, and carri- 
ages, buggies and vehicles from this market compete 
successfully with those from the famous factories of 
New Haven, Eochester, and Philadelphia. A large bus- 
iness is now also being done by our manufacturers in 
this line, in building coaches for the stage lines of the 
west, and also omnibusses. In this particular they have 
achieved splendid success, and orders have been receiv- 
ed from localities far removed from us for vehicles of 
this kind. For enterprise and activity, as well as 
thorough business skill, our carriage manufacturers 
yield the palm to no cit}^ in the Union, and are destin- 
ed to build up an extensive trade all through the west. 
At present they are doing a large business and are kept 
actively at work with large forces of mechanics. The 
firms now engaged in this branch are : — E. M. Miller 
& Co. ; Hjmes & Moore ; Grotenhoff & Behrens ; Koen- 
ig & Weiler. 

These emplo}^ 93 hands, and turn out annually ^269,- 
140 worth of work. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 57 



OR "MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY." 



Of all the leading men whose energy and ability have 
been active in building up the flourishing city of Quin- 
cy, and advancing its interests, it is fair to say none 
take rank before the Hon. James M. Pitman. 

Born in the then territory of Missouri, in 1813, at the 
age of 22 he came to Quincy, and at once interested 
himself in not only carving out his own success, but 
also in forwarding our city commercially and socially. 
Obtaining an interest in a saw mill, he operated that 
for a time with decided success, and in 1844 had so 
commended himself to the voters of Adams County 
that he was elected Sheriff. So admirably did he per- 
form the duties of the office the first two years that he 
was chosen by his constituents for a second term, and 
continued in the responsible position until 1848. On 
retiring from the office, he embarked in the lumber bus- 
iness, with Amos Green, Esq., as a partner. Success 
attended the firm, and in its career both members accu- 
mulated wealth with comparative rapidity. 

In 1850 Mr. Pitman was elected as a representative 
to the Legislature, and in 1852 was returned to that 
body. While there he devoted himself assiduously to 
the interests of Quincy and Adams County, and by his 



58 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

industry secured much legislation that has been of vast 
advantage to Quincy. Among other items he obtained 
a.charter for a Gas Company, a Mississippi Elver Bridge 
Company, and also the charter under which the great 
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad was built. 

Scarcely had his labors in the councils of the State 
ended when he was called to the mayoralty of Quincy 
in 1854. Managing the affairs of the city with the 
same skill and success that had characterized his own 
private matters, he was re-elected in 1855, and retired 
with an enviable reputation for integrity and ability as 
an executive officer. Only a short period of relaxation 
followed his retirement from the municipal government 
of Quincy; when other responsibilities devolved on him. 
In 1858 he was elected by the Legislature warden of 
the State Penitentiary. His success in this trying 
position, was if anything more marked than in any of 
his preceding offices, and the State owes him a debt 
of gratitude for the valuable services rendered while 
managing the Penitentiary. 

From the close of his term as warden until 1867, Mr. 
Pitman mingled little in politics or public affairs, but 
in the latter year his fellow citizens again elected him 
to the office of mayor of Quincy, in the hope that his 
rare judgment and foresight might extricate the city 
from the many embarrassments that were overwhelm- 
ing it. Devoting himself for one year with the usual 
success to the work of relieving the city from the great 
burden of debt and taxation, he retired from the may- 
oralty, and at the same time from public life, preferring 
the ease and retirement of home to the bustle and din 
of political strife. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 59 

Possessed of large wealth, a man of genial and gen- 
erous traits, enjoying the esteem and friendship of all 
who know him, his declining years are pregnant with 
unalloyed pleasure, and the worst wish that his fellow 
citizens harbor is, that he may long continue in the en- 
joyment of the happiness his industry, energy and abil- 
ity have wrought for him. 



60 HISTORY OP QUINCY. 



BOILERS AND SHEET lEON WOEKS. 

We have said in a previous part of this work that in 
the manufacture of all kinds of machinery, Quincy took 
front rank among western cities, and as her boiler and 
sheet iron Avorks are a part of this branch of manufac- 
tures, we claim the same superiority for them. Manag- 
ed and superintended by experienced and skillful me- 
chanics, all work from their establishments is turned 
out in a style unsurpassed any where. The most diffi- 
cult work known to the trade, has been done success- 
fully here within the past few years, and those who 
had been in the habit of sending east for extra heavy 
work, under the impression that it could not be turned 
out in the west, are now having the same done in the 
most workmanlike and satisfactory manner at home, 
and at a vast saving of price and freight. 

The very best mechanics are employed in this line, 
and the most liberal enterprise is displayed by those 
engaged in the business. From the territory west of 
the Mississippi a constant demand is made upon them 
for work, and this demand increases so rapidly that 
even in the dull season now about closing, they have 
been taxed to their full capacity to keep pace with it. 
Moreover each winter another heavy demand is made 
upon these establishments by the steamers that lay up 
here at the close of navigation. There are a large num- 
ber of these, and all require more or less repairing and 
oaew work, which they can have done here in a more 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 61 

satisfactory style and at more reasonable figures than 
at any point on the river. The St. Louis & Keokuk 
Packet Company, which owns and manages a large 
number of fine steamboats, long since discovered the 
advantages ofi'ered by Quincy in this respect, and annu- 
ally harbors its steamers here through the winter to 
have them overhauled and repaired. The work done 
yearly by this company alone is an item of no small 
importance, and foots up handsomely. 

Two establishments are now engaged in this branch 
of manufactures, and are owned and operated by the 
following firms : — John Williams & Co. ; Oerter & Mi- 
chelmann. 

These firms employ together 85 hands, who turn out 
$18,000 worth of work per month, or ^216,000 per year. 



62 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



OR ''MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY." 



There is perhaps no city in the west whose leading 
citizens so early began to shape its moral course to an 
elevated standing, as Quincy. Her early settlers were 
men who came here to build up a model city, and with 
this object constantly before their minds, they aimed 
at the beginning to place the moral and social status of 
our city at the highest standard. 

To this commendable work none have devoted more 
time or money than John K. YanDoorn, and there are 
none in the community, but award him credit for earn- 
est efforts in this noble cause. 

Coming from his native state, Massachusetts, in 1838, 
Mr. YanDoorn, then twenty-four years of age, commen- 
ced the manufacture of chairs with Mr. Mellen, they 
being the two partners in the humble establishment 
known as the "chair factory." Continuing at this for 
some time, he accumulated funds sufficient to purchase 
the saw mill on the river bank from E. B. Kimball. 
Soon after, he built a new mill on the site of the "Kim- 
ball Mill," and continued to operate it successfully, turn- 
ing out a large quantity of lumber and building timber 
annually, until 1858, in which year it was destroyed by 
fire. Previous to its destruction, however, he had pur- 
chased an interest in the extensive saw mill on the bay, 
and became a partner in the same with James Arthur, 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 63 

Esq. About this time also, he established himself in 
the lumber business, on Hampshire street, and made 
that also a success. 

But while Mr. YanDoorn has been energetic and act- 
ive as a manufacturer and merchant, and has achieved 
great pecuniary success, he has, as we have said, always 
had time and money to spare in behalf of every enter- 
prise, promising to improve or elevate the moral and 
social status of Quincy. 

An uncompromising advocate of temperance, he has 
been untiring in his opposition to license laws and the 
sale of intoxicating liquors. His convictions in this re- 
spect are the same to-day that first impressed his mind, 
and as the present Grand Worthy Secretary of the 
Good Templars of Illinois, he is doing herculean work 
in the cause. Also the first outspoken Abolitionist in 
Quincy, he continued earnestly and actively to advocate 
the emancipation of the slaves of the South, until that 
work was accomplished. 

A man of strong convictions and determined charac- 
ter, he espouses whatever cause he engages in with a 
vigor and energy that at once indicates the rectitude 
of his purpose. Ever actuated by principle and yield- 
ing his convictions of right to no power or party, but 
boldly and persistently advocating them against all op- 
position, such a man is John K. YanDoorn, one of 
Quincy's most enterprising and valuable citizens. 
Through all his experiences as a business man and lead- 
ing manufacturer, thorough integrity and honorable 
dealing have characterized him, and now, after a resi- 
dence here of over 30 years, he ranks secoud to none 
in the esteem of his fellow citizens. 



64 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



GAS— ITS INTRODUCTION INTO QUINCY. 

OPERATIONS OF THE QUINCY GAS LIGHT & COKE COMPANY. 

Those who are constantly consuming gas will per- 
haps be interested in a history of its introduction into 
our city and the operations of the Quincy Gas Light 
and Coke Company since its organization. The enter- 
prise of lighting Quincy with gas and furnishing our 
citizens with this valuable illuminating article, like all 
new projects, was long discussed before any positive 
action was taken in regard to it. In 1853 a company 
was organized and a contract entered into by the cor- 
porators, John Wood, Lucius Kingman, Samuel Holmes, 
Thos. Redmond, Jas. D. Morgan, Samuel W. Rogers, 
Thos. C. King, Robert S. Benneson and William H. 
Carlin, with Messrs. A. B. Chambers and Thos. Pratt, 
of St. Louis, who, in consideration of 175,000 of the 
capital stock of the Quincy Gas Light and Coke Com- 
pany, agreed to purchase suitable grounds, furnish all 
the materials and construct works of sufficient capacity 
to manufacture and store 55,000 cubic feet of gas daily, 
lay 3^ miles of street mains, provide the necessary me- 
ters, and erect 50 public lamps. At the same time a 
contract for fifty additional lamps, and in relation to 
extension and the right of way in laying street mains, 
was entered into. On the first of December, 1856, the 
contract for the erection of the works having been com- 
pleted, and Messrs. Chambers & Pratt having purchas- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 65 

ed and erected 14 more lamps and furnished mcterR, 
i-wen pipes and other materials not specified in the 
contract, they were allowed an additional $5,100 in 
stock for extra labor and material. The whole stock 
of the company thus amounted to $80,100, and it com- 
menced operating with one bench of three retorts, 64 
public lamps and 139 private consumers. With the 
growth of the city the demand for gas has rapidly in- 
creased, and the company is now working eight bench- 
es of three retorts each to their full capacity,® lighting 
334 public lamps, supplying 750 private consumers, and 
has over eight and one-half miles of street mains. In 
1867, a new gas holder 60 by 22 feet, with a capacity 
of 62,000 cubic feet was completed at a cost of $21,516,- 
58. Since then the retort capacity of the company has 
been doubled, consisting of twelve benches of three re- 
torts each, the old purifiers five feet six inches square, 
have been replaced by new ones ten b}^ fourteen feet, 
and the old center seal of six inch capacity has been re- 
placed with a new seal of ten inch capacity. The six 
inch street mains have been replaced by ten inch pipe, 
and the change has added materially to the pressure 
and flow of gas. The last mentioned improvements 
have cost the company $20,729.14, most of the work 
being done by Quincy mechanics. 

The past year, the company with commendable en- 
terprise, have run an eight inch pipe from the ten inch 
main on Hampshire street, along Seventh street to 
Broadway, and continued down the last named street 
with a six inch pipe to the levee. This work was done 
to accommodate patrons on Front street and the levee, 
who had suffered considerable inconvenience for want 

5 



66 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

of a proper flow of gas, and while it cost the company 
$5,509, it added only one consumer. 

The improvements at the works this year have been 
tiie introduction of new ten inch condensers w^ith an 
exhauster and engine, at a combined cost of $6,610.76. 
The old gas holder was also repaired at a cost of $1,153, 
and is to be replaced the coming year by a new and 
improved one. Other improvements during the same 
period, including building, &c., aggregated $1,741.10. 

The annual consumption of coal at the Gas Works is 
77,763 bushels, and of lime 2,957 bushels. The pay roll 
proper amounts annually to $14,000. This company 
has now been in operation thirteen years, and although 
a majority of the stock is held in St. Louis, it has al- 
ways been managed by Quincy men, who, while they 
have an interest in the pecuniary success of the compa- 
ny, have still a larger interest in operating it to the sat- 
isfaction of our citizens. Thus while they have acted 
in good faith as directors and managers, they have 
never failed to add such improvements as seemed in 
their judgment demanded by the city and their patrons. 

In this particular therefore Quincy has a decided 
advantage. The capital stock now amounts to $101,- 
550. 

The enterprise exhibited b}^ the company the past 
two years in laying new street mains and increasing 
its manufacturing capacity, is an earnest that they are 
determined to keep pace with the wants of the com- 
munity, and supply our citizens with an article of gas 
not excelled any where. In this connection it is proper 
to state that there has been decided improvement. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 67 

The oflScers of the company at present, are : — J. D. 
Morgan, President ; W. II. Corley, Superintendent and 
Secretary ; H. E. Corley, Assistant Secretary ; C. M. 
Pomroy, Treasurer ; Directors, J. D. Morgan, W. H. 
Corley, C. M. Pomroy, Thomas Eedmond, S. W. Rog- 
ers, R. S. Benneson, J. M. Pitman, L. Kingman, of 
Quincy. and Thomas Pratt of St. Louis. 



68 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINOY. 



It is a well established fact that the greatest lever for 
good or evil in any country is the press. The same is 
true doubtless of cities, for the press in municipal as 
well as national affairs possessess a power which if ex- 
erted for the right, is of vast benefit to a community. 
Nor is it venturing much to say that every city owes 
its progress in a large measure to its press. Newspa- 
pers are at once the evidence of civilization and enlighten- 
ment, and the means of heralding the virtues of every 
people, and the beauties of every locality to the world. 
But to wield their proper influence, and serve the com- 
munity, newspapers require in their conduct able man- 
ao*ement and rare judgment. In this respect Quincy 
was superlatively fortunate in the acquisition of Henry 
Y. Sullivan, Esq., one of its pioneer newspaper man. 

Mr. Sullivan was born at Yincennes, Indiana, in 1816, 
and at the age of ten years moved to St. Louis. At 
sixteen he engaged as a printer in the office of the St. 
Louis Republican, and continued there for five years. — 
In 1836 he came to Quincy, and two years later com- 
menced the publication of the Quincy Whig, although 
then only twenty -one years of age. At first the paper 
was owned by a stock company, but in a brief space of 
time Mr. Sullivan, associating with him S. M. Bartlett, 



HlfrTORY OF QUINCY. 69 

bought up the stock, and run the establishment under 
the firm name of Bartlett & Sullivan. Nehemiah Eush- 
nell and Andrew Johnson, volunteering their services 
as editors, managed that department for eight months, 
when Mr. Bartlett assumed the duties of editor. On 
the death of Mr, Bartlett, in 1851, Mr. Sullivan managed 
and conducted the paper alone for one year, when he 
associated with him John T. Morton, and continued 
thus two years. On the 1st of January, 1857, he com- 
menced the publication of the Daily Hepublican, under 
the firm name of H. V. SuHivan & Co., and continued 
for about 13 months. 

While connected with the press, Mr. Sullivan was 
appointed Eegister of Lands, elected several times to 
the City Council of Quincy, and also to the Legislature 
of Illinois ; in all of which positions he acquitted him- 
self in such a manner as to win the admiration and re- 
tain the confidence of his fellow citizens. 

At the outbreak of the war Mr. Sullivan received the 
appointment of paymaster, and gave his time and at- 
tion to the same while the strife lasted, when he return- 
ed to Quincy. 

The publication of a newspaper in our city to-day 
may not be considered a herculean work, but in the 
days when the Quincy Whig began its existence, the 
struggle between life and death was a determined one; 
and had a less resolute or less judicious manager than 
Mr. Sullivan undertaken the work, the probability is 
that it would have flourished but briefly. As it was, 
the paper prospered, and gradually grew strong enough 
to be of vast use in building up the city that gave it 



70 HISTORY OP QUINCY. 

birth, and luirtured it into strength. With Mr. Sullivan 
as its manager, it gave an earnest and vigorous support 
to every move in the interest of Quincy, and was in- 
strumental in advancing the city morally, socially and 
commercially. 

Although Mr. Sullivan has now virtually retired from 
business, he is slill by no means on the decline of life, 
but on the contrary presents a hearty and healthy 
appearance, and is an active, enterprising and public 
spirited citizen, whose place could not well be filled in 
Quincy. 



HISTORY OF QUINCy. 71 



WAGONS, PLOWS, &c. 

Early iti onr liistory, the manufacture of wagon?, 
plows, and agricultural implements was commenced, 
and while it has steadily increased, it has also been mark- 
ed by constant improvement. The reputation of our 
establishments in this line has long been tirst-class, 
and while their wagons, plows, &c. have been highly 
prized at home for their strength and durability, they 
have also been in demand in Missouri and regions west of 
the Mississippi. Near Quincy the best of timber for 
work in this line is to be had, and with the excellent 
mechanics who are drawn here by the inducements 
offered in wages and location, there could be no ques- 
tion of success for those engaged in the business.^ — 
Wherever anything of this kind is to be found, satisfac- 
tion follows, and hence the growing trade. Many of 
our most energetic and enterprising citizens are engag- 
ed in this department, and have in the course of their 
experience accumulated handsome fortunes, besides 
building up an extensive and permanent trade. Some 
of them began on a small scale it is true, but by close 
attention to business, and a liberal display of enterprise, 
have succeeded beyond their own anticipations. There 
is no difficulty in selling any article or implement turn- 
ed out by them, and they have consequently flourished 
with remarkable success. At present the following 
firms are engaged in this line, and while several of theses 
are modest concerns, there are also a number of exten- 
sive manufacturers, who employ each a large number 



72 HISTORY OF QUJ^sCY. 

of hands:— W. T. & E. A. Eogers ; T. Beatt j ; Bolin- 
ger & CTrussenmeyer ; Brinkkoeter & Benhof ; W. Her- 
lemann ; G-. Keller; II. Knapheide ; F. Meise ; II. Nol- 
kemper ; L. Otten ; T. Otto ; A. C. Eoot ; Schefer & 
Lodig; L. Schmitt ; F. Tafelski. 

These firms are all doing a handsome business, and 
employing skillful mechanics are almost daily introduc- 
ing some new improvement, that gives them a further 
hold upon their numerous patrons. This year those 
firms have turned out over 700 wagons, besides plows, 
&c. The capital invested amounts to $260,000. 



PLANING MILLS. 

Quincy now boasts establishments prepared tj turn 
Oit almost any article or implement used in mechanism 
or commerce, and she is, if possible, better prepared 
with materials for building purposes. Although our 
city is built up almost exclusively of brick, yet we keep 
a large number of planing mills busy supplying doors, 
sash, and flooring. They also manufacture largely for 
the Missouri and western trade, and are constantly 
shipping large quantities off by river and rail. We 
have now in operation three large and capacious plan- 
ing mills, which are ably managed by skillful and ex- 
perienced business men, and are doing handsomel3^ — 
Besides these which are immediately in the city, we have 
etill another, ow^ned and operated by citizens of Quincy, 
but located on the w^est bank of the river. This has 
been recently established by Bradford, McCoy & Co. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 73 

These establishments all turn out first-class work, 
and are run in model style. They are owned and ope- 
rated by the following firms : — Bradford, McCoy & Co.: 
Gould & Williams; Schmitt, Mulliner & Co.; Menke, 
Grimm & Co. 

These firms employ an aggregate force of 116 men, 
and manufacture annually $310,600 worth of doors, sash, 
flooring &c. Capital invested, $180,000. 



BEICK. 

The manufacture of brick is necessarily carried on 
very extensively in Quincy, as the great majority of 
our buildings are built of that material. There is per- 
haps no city in the Union where there is such a pre- 
ponderance of brick over frame buildings — hence the 
great security here from fire. At all our yards they turn 
out excellent brick, as they obtain splendid clay for that 
purpose in all quarters, and have the very best chance 
for making them equal to the finest brick found any- 
where. During the summer these yards employ a large 
number of hands, and thus are of a double benefit to 
the city. Brick are sold here at reasonable rates, and 
buildings of this kind are built at a small increase over 
frame buildings. 

This season the following firms have been engaged 
in making brick : — J. H. Konefes ; Brinkhoff & Forke ; 
A. J. Casebeer ; G, Damhorst ; S. Damhorst; F. W. 
Freese ; F. Hagerman ; Honor & lloltmann ; J. A. 
Hummert; J. H. Koch; H. Landwehr ; J. Menne ; 
C. L. Prante ; J. H. Sander. 

They employ upwards of 300 hands, and sell annual- 
ly $616,000 worth of brick. 



74 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



OR '-MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



During the late war the patriotism of Quincy shono 
out with a histcr that even the protracted and despe- 
rate nature of the conflict failed to dim. Many of her 
sons, young and old, sprang to the front at the first 
alarm, and remained there steadfast in defense of the 
Union, or fell in the cause. Of these none achieved 
greater eminence, or rendered more valuable service, 
than Gen. James D. Morgan, whose record as a soldier 
is a bright page in the history of the war. 

Born in Boston in 1810, in 183-i he cast his fortunes 
with Quincy, and w^orked at his trade as a cooper, 
Edward Wells, Esq., being employed in the same shop. 
The following spring, in connection with the last 
named gentlemen, he rented a shop that stood where 
the jail now stands, and they thus commenced the coojd- 
erage business for themselves. We next find him en- 
gaged in the confectionery business under the Quincy 
House. About this time his military experiences be- 
gan, and being captain of a militia company, he was 
ordered to Hancock county, the scene of the Mormon 
excitement. In 1846 he volunteered for the war with 
Mexico, and went immediately to the front, as captain 
of "A" Compan}^, 1st Reg. J!l. Vol., commanded by the 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 75 

gallant Hardin. Returning to Quincy at the close of 
the war, in 1847, at the breaking out of the late war, 
he promptly enliBted in a company then being raised 
here, and, with a modesty proverbial of the man, ac- 
cepted the position of orderly sergeant, though tender- 
ed and urged to accept a more exalted rank. Proceed- 
ing to Cairo with his company, he was at once called 
by the unanimous voice of the famous 10th Eeg. 111. 
Inf, to the position of lieutenant colonel. On the pro- 
motion of Gen. B. M. Prentiss, its colonel, to the com- 
mand of a brigade. Gen. Morgan was at once advanced 
to the colonelcy. His regiment soon after took the 
field, and began its glorious career of five years service, 
during which time the valor and endurance of its men 
were tried on many an ensanguined field and weary 
march. Bird's Point, New Madrid, Corinth, Mission 
Ridge, Chicamauga, Berton's Hill. &c., are inscribed 
upon its banners, and attest the determined courage and 
confidence of these heroes, w^hen led by their "old com- 
mander." At the last named place Gen. Morgan was 
brevetted major general for gallant conduct. He also 
participated with his regiment in Sherman's famous 
march to the sea, and retired from the army with a record 
that will bear comparison with any of the veterans, 
whose achievements have inscribed their names upon 
the roll of honor, and won the admiration of the nation. 
For over four years Gen. Morgan was with his regi- 
ment all the time, asking for no leave of absence and 
accepting none, but ever present with his men, devot- 
ed to their welfare, and zealous in their behalf. ISTo 
commander was ever more beloved and idolized, and 
none ever reciprocated that affection more generously 
than he. 



^6 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

These were the achievements of war ; but successful 
as has been Gen. Morgan in military affairs, his civil 
career has been not less marked and interesting. A 
partner for twenty-five years in the firm of C. M. Pom- 
roy & Co., doing an extensive business in packing pork, 
he also took an active interest in the progress of the 
city, and has given generously of his time and wealth 
to advance many of our public enterprises. One of the 
first to enlist our citizens in the project of introducing 
gas into the city, also a moving spirit in building the 
great "Eink," and the stately Opera House, he hai 
been no less active in behalf of others of a more exten- 
Bive character, such as railroads, steamboat lines, &c. 

A man of genial temperament, quiet, but energetic 
and confident. Gen. Morgan has no superior as a busi- 
ness man, while as a part of the social and moral ele- 
ment of Quincy, he is invaluable. 



HISTORY OP QUINCT, 77 



ST. MAEY'S HOSPITAL. 

Hospitals are perhaps the last institutions in the 
world that people in the course of their wanderings 
would dream of visiting. There seems a natural aver- 
sion upon the part of humaity to gaze upon others in 
distress or sickness, or witness the operation of ills, to 
which they are heirs. Of the native instinct that bids 
us to keep aloof from the sick and distressed, we are 
not to speak, but, on the contrary, our object is to speak 
of an institution, in the success of which all our citizens 
have an abiding interest, and which is a noble monu- 
ment to the cause of charity. 

A little over two years ago a small delegation of Sis- 
ters of Charity visited Quincy from a neighboring city 
for the purpose of determining the feasibility of erec- 
ting here a hospital where the sick and distressed of 
every clime and creed would find a home in their troub- 
les, and be cared for and nursed by kind Sisters, who, 
self-sacrificingly, had devoted their lives to this charita- 
ble work. A brief visit satisfying them that our peo- 
ple, ever generous and open-hearted, were charitably 
disposed, they at once decided upon erecting here a 
hospital equal to the wants of our flourshing city. 
Ground was at once obtained at a reasonable price on 
Broadway, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, 
on the south side, and after the good Sisters of St. 
Francis had, from donations and collections received 



78 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

here and elsewhere, accummulated a sum Buffieient to 
encourage them in the success of their enterprise, they 
at once began the erection of the building. 

Plans were advertised for, and one best suited to the 
tastes and ideas of the proper committee, was fixed upon 
as the model for the building. The present structure 
is the result of the designs. Its exterior appearance 
surpasses almost every other building in the city, and 
we doubt whether the State furnishes an edifice con- 
structed for a like sum that presents half as imposing 
an appearance. Three stories high with cut stone 
basement under the entire building, and a Mansard 
roof surmounting the whole, it towers up grand and 
lofty on Broadway, one of the most desirable streets in 
the city. Before describing the interior we will state 
that it was built at a cost of $35,000, which considering 
the style and dimensions of the structure, was very 
cheap. 

The interior of this, like all institutions of its kind, is 
the most interesting feature as we are thus enabled to 
observe the practical operations to which it is devoted. 

The first floor of the hospital is divided up into seven 
spacious apartments: the first of which that attracts 
the attention of the visitor, is the neat and pleasant re- 
ception room immediately to the right of the entrance; 
a few steps further on, and we find a pair of comfortably 
but not gorgeously furnished parlors — a drug store and 
reading room, also occupy a portion of this floor, and 
are each model departments. Besides these are rooms 
for the sisters, and a few apartments for the sick. 

The second floor is almost exclusively used for pa- 
tients. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 79 

On the third floor the arrangements are somewhat 
different from the second, owing to the fixct that it is 
devoted to the use of female invalids. In addition 
to the ordinary apartments there is on this floor a large 
and well ventilated room, which is used as a sewing de- 
partment. 

The fourth floor, which is under the Mansard roof, 
is a fine airy story, and is divided into wash rooms, 
baggage rooms, &c. Every floor has a neat and well 
arranged bath room, w4th all the modern appliances and 
improvements and water closets. 

The basement contains the kitchen and dining rooms 
and is also high and airy. A furnace for heating the 
entire house with hot air is also located here. In every 
story and every department the hospital is complete, 
and with its neat and cosy furniture, its sanded floors 
and polished paint tells of the industry and taste of the 
sisters in charge. 

Although the institution is under the immediate con- 
trol of the Catholics, and has a chapel for the use of 
those who profess that faith, still, of the occupants of 
the institution there are Episcopalians, Methodists, &c., 
and those professing no faith. They are all furnished 
with good moral reading, but no undue influence is 
brought to bear upon patients to convert them to the 
faith of the sisters in charge. 



80 HISTORY OF QUINCy. 



SADDLES AND HAENESS. 

There is scarcely a street in Quincy that docs not 
boast an immense saddle and harness establishment; 
and large numbers of men are employed here in this 
line of manufacturing. The goods turned out are of 
the best material, and manufactured in a style that for 
workmanship and durability is not to be excelled. A 
large section of the west is supplied from these estab- 
lishments, and orders come here constantly from the 
most extreme Southern States. During the war an ex- 
tensive business in the manufacture of army equip- 
ments was carried on here, and our colossal factories 
and shops were alive with employees — several firms 
having as high as two hundred hands at work. With 
the close of the war business again sought its legitimate 
channels, and a consequent reduction in employees fol- 
lowed at all these establishments. Since then a fair 
trade has been carried on, and the prospect is encour- 
aging for a rapid increase from this time forward. 

At present the following firms are engaged in the 
manuftxcture of saddles, harness &c. : — S. L. Taylor; 
Boon & Tillson ; Campbell Bros.; H. Head, Sr.; B. Koch 
& Son ; II. Messerschmidt ; X. Neumann ; Scheiner & 
Kreitz : Smith & Starling; Henry Steinkamp; Taylor 
& Co.; A. B. Wilhelm; Jacob Metz ; T. H. Musser. 

These firms employ 180 hands, and do an annual bus- 
iness in manufacturing of $233,400. 



HISTORY OF QUINCy, 81 



OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINOY. 



Eminent as bas been the success of our citizens in 
commerce, finances and statesmanship, it was reserv* d 
for her to reach the acme of her fame through tlie 
achievements of her manufacturers. While her exten- 
sive factories, dusky foundries, and stately "mills have 
added largely to our wealth as a city, they have also 
been the scenes of the struggles and triumph?* of many 
of our most valuable citizens. 

Prominent among those who have devote(i them- 
selves successfully to building up our manufacturing i - 
terests, stands the subject of this sketch, Enoch Com 
stock, Esq. 

A native of Massachusetts, in 1837 Mr. Comstoc': 
came west, and located in Quincy, opening a small ti 
shop on the site of the handsome block recently erect* 
by I. Y. W. Butcher, Esq. Three hundred dollars coi 
prised the capital with which ho commenced businej- 
The spring following, Allen Comstock, a brother, arri 
ed from the east, and together, under the name of Coi 
stock & Co., they commenced the stove and tinwa 
business. Continuing in this bn«siness until 1850, M 

6 



82 HISTORY or QUINOY. 

Allon Comstock ombarked in the enterprise of manufac- 
turing stoves, opening a foundry, with Frederick Col- 
lins, Esq., as a partner. This arrangement was how- 
ever of short duration — the foundry and store soon 
<}on8olidatiug, under the proprietorship and manage- 
ment of the original firm of Comstock & Co. The bus- 
iness was operated thus until 1S60, when the loss of 
over $30,000 by the revulsions of 1857-8, made it nec- 
essary to increase the capital in order to operate profit- 
ably and successfully. Messrs. F. Collins, T. II. Castle, 
and C. H. Winn were then induced to take an interest, and 
the business was again continued under the firm name 
of Collins, Comstock & Co, and under the same able 
management. This firm was dissolved by limitation on 
the Ist day of February, 1869. Ee-organizing the firm 
jit this date, with Enoch Comstock as senior member, 
it continued the extensive and increasing business with 
the same skill and sagacity that characterized its pre- 
decessors ; and to-day, it is if possible more prosperous 
and active than ever. With a foundry equal in size to 
any in the west, and not surpassed any where for ac- 
commodations and conveniences ; with a force of nearly 
two hundred hands constantly at work, and with a vast 
territory to supply with the products of their establish- 
ments, we venture little in stating that few firms an}-- 
where have as brilliant prospects before them as Com- 
Btock, Castle & Co. 

During the last nine years, their trade has grown to 
magnificent proportions, and the demands upon them 
Lave been so hcavj^ and constant, that they have been 
compelled to make repeated additions to their foundry, 
and enlarge its capacity, until the present time, when 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 83 

we find the company prepared to melt with ease 1,800 
tons ycr year. 

Nor has this been all ; while this company has 
brought success and wealth to those who organized it, 
it has also accomplished much for Quincy. Bringing 
here hundreds of citizens, and affording them employ- 
ment at liberal w^ages, it has also been the means of 
introducing us abroad, and thus attracting many to 
Quincy as a base of supplies. Here too has been built 
up one of the great stove markets of the country, for 
which we are indebted to the energy and enterprise of 
the Messrs. Comstock, who have struggled for years to 
accomplish that desired consummation. 

Although long years in the traces, and ever active 
and industrious as a business man, still Mr. Comstock 
is to-day a comparatively young man, full of life and 
energy, and destined to long service in the extensive 
business he has been so prominent in building up. — 
Genial and sociable, enterprising and public spirited, 
Quincy has no more estimable and valuable citizen than 
Enoch Comstock. 



84 HISTORY OF QTIINCY. 



ICE. 



The ice interest of Quincy has within a few years 
loomed up into magnificent proportions, absorbing a 
large amount of capital, and giving employment to a 
large number of men every season. Upwards of twen- 
ty firms are now packing or dealing in ice at this point, 
and a commendable degree of activity is displayed in 
the business. The quality of the ice packed here is 
equal to any furnished in the country. It is cut prin- 
cipally in Quincy Bay, which shoots off from the Mis- 
Bissippi, and extends north about one mile, where the 
"Crystal Springs " pour their limpid and translucent 
waters into it. In the vicinity of these springs are 
built the principal ice houses of the city, and here the 
most extensive packing is done. The ice cut in this 
vicinity is usually from sixteen to twenty inches in 
thickness. No clearer, purer, or more solid ice than is 
taken out here is to be found, and being packed in an 
admirable manner, it meets with a prompt sale at good 
figures. The amount annually packed is upwards of 
50,000 tons ; and this business, which a few years since 
was monopolized by a single house, employing a dozen 
hands, and two or three teams, has grown to colossal 
proportions, absorltiiig a vast amount of capital, and 
emplo^nng hundreds of hands and teams. Much of the 
ice put up here is shipped south during the summer, 
and our southern pati-ons find it superior to any that 
reaches them. Tiie men engaged in this enterprise 
are all active and eiici-getic, and are destined to still 
greater success than they have yet achieved. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 85 



OR ''MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



It is perhaps fortunate for Quincy, that none, or at 
least but few, of her prominent citizens acquired their 
wealth, or any portion of the same, by inheritance.— 
With scarce an exception, all those who have made 
their mark in law, commerce, or finance here, com- 
menced the struggle of life with energy, industry, and 
a fair share of ability only, to guarantee them success 
in the strife for fortune and happiness. 

Of this class was Henry Eoot, Esq., now^ President 
of the Union Bank of Quincy, one of our wealthiest and 
most influential citizens. A native of Canada, at the 
early age of twenty he decided to make the United 
States his home, and came to Chicago in 183G. From 
there he went to St. Louis, and to Palmyra, Mo., and in 
1840 arrived in Quincy, with a capital amounting to a 
little less than one dollar. Having however good cred- 
it, he at once embarked in the mercantile business, sell- 
ing goods also at auction. Continuing in this line for 
a short period, he associated with him James Fisher, 
and went into the regular mercantile business, un- 
der the firm name of Eoot & Fisher. Disposing of 



86 HISTORY OF QUINCT. 

his interest in the firm in 1847, Mr. Eoot accepted the sut- 
lership of a regiment raised for the United States army 
in Mexico, commanded by Col. E. W. B. Newby, 
and proceeded with it to Santa Fe. Eeturning to Qiiin- 
cy in 1848, in 1849 he went to New Orleans, and mad© 
a heavy purchase of sugar and molasses, which was 
ghipped up the river, and arrived at St. Louis just in 
time to be destroyed by the great fire of that year. — 
Effecting a compromise with the insurance companies, 
by which he secured one-half the insurance money, h© 
again returned to Quincy, and resumed the mercantile 
business, with N. T. Lane as a partner. At the expi- 
ration of two years he purchased the interest of Mr. 
Lane in the establishment, and conducted it alon© 
through an uninterrupted career of prosperity until 
1865, when he disposed of the same and retired from 
mercantile life. 

In 1867, Mr. Root purchased one-sixth interest in the 
Illinois State Penitentiary, and subsequently acquired 
four-sixths of that institution, but the same year sur- 
rendered his entire interest to the State. 

Realizing in common with many leading citizens the 
necessity for greater banking facilities in Quincy, in 
1869 Mr. Eoot, in connection with other capitalists of 
our city, established the Union Bank of Quincy, of 
which he was elected President, and which commenced 
operations under the most favorable auspices the pres- 
ent year. A man of ripe sagacity and rare judgment, 
thoroughly versed in the finances and commerce of the 
country, Quincy affords no citizen better calculated t» 
manage the affairs of a bank with mutual satisfaction 
and profit to patrons and stockholders. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 87 

As a citizen, Mr. Eoot has been second to none in 
public spirit and enterprise, and after a business career 
of nearly thirty years, he enjoys the friendship and es- 
teem of the entire community. Pleasant and inviting 
in conversation, generous and genial in oppearance and 
disposition, his social qualities are as marked as his bus- 
iness sagacity. 



BS HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



THE KINK. 

FINEST BUILIUNC. OF THE KIND IN AMERICA. 

Soino eighteen montlis ago Mr. J. B. Thoinpsoa,of the 
firm of Hervey, Johnson & Co., patentees and sole build- 
ers of HervGy*s Patent Skating Eink, arrived in Quincy, 
with a view to enlisting our citizens in the enterprise of 
erecting in this city a skating rink, to exceed in size 
and magnificence any similar establishment in America. 
He knew the reputation of our citizens for pride, ambi- 
tion and energy, and knew how to present the matter 
hi a form that would most probably secure favorable 
consideration from those who couid provide means to 
^nake the enterprise a success. At first he had some 
difficulty in securing the earnest attention of our capit- 
sUsts, but at length they were satisfied that the rink 
^as an institution neeped by the public, and that it 
•^\ ould pay. When this conclusion was arrived at, it 
took no time at all to secure subscriptions of stock to 
tlie amount of $15,000. The stock holders at once 
formed a permanent organization by the election of 
<ien. J. B. Morgan, President, C. H. Bull, Vice President, 
Si rid Thomas T. Woodruff Secretary and Treasurer. 
These gentlemen, together with Messrs William Mc- 
>\idden, 0. E. Whitmore, E. J. Parker, J. B. Thompson, 
Ov)l. Chas. H. Morton, and Gen. Wm. A. Schraitt, con- 
stitute the present Board of Directors. In the election, 



HISTORY Ui' QUINCY. 89 

which was held one hundred and sixty shares were rep- 
resented in the vote. The Board having appointed 
the President and Messrs Bull and MeFadden a building 
committee, they, the committee, proceeded at once to 
secure a site for the building, and succeeded in leasing 
on good terms the property on Ninth and Jersey streets, 
and contracted with Messrs. Ilervcy, Johnson & Co., for 
the erection of a suitable building. The work was com- 
menced at once, and progressed rapidly and steadily 
under the immediate supervision of Mr. J. IT. A. Her- 
vey, by whom, also, the very handsome rinks at SL 
Louis, Chicago and Cincinnati were erected. The build- 
ing is located 105 feet from the corner of Jersey street, 
and is two hundred and forty feet in length by eighty- 
five in width, and forty-eight in height. The floor or 
ice surface is 178 by 71 feet, giving about 13,000 square 
feet of ice. The ice bed a perfectly smooth and level 
surface of blue clay. The wells on the ground togeth- 
er with the springs on the high ground in the vicinity 
ef the rink furnish an ample supply of water at all 
times. The water is conveyed from the springs in 
pipes. By this arrangement they are able to flood the 
whole building with water at a few moments notice. 
When the ice is once formed it lasts a long time, a single 
inch of ice on a blue clay bed furnishing good skating 
to hundreds of persons for sometimes six weeks at a 
stretch. 

The arrangements for light, ventilation, &c., in the 
building are very complete. On each side there are 
two tiers of windows, the lower tier having thirteen 
windows, with twelve lights in each. The upper one 
in the cupola has the same number of windows, with 



so HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

twenty-four lights in each. In the front are twelvo 
windows with twelve lights each, and four circular 
windows, making in all twelve hundred panes of glass 
in the building. When illuminated on a winter night 
with one hundred and forty jets of gas, the building 
presents a gay and most animating spectacle. In the 
center of the east end of the edifice there is a gallery 
of appropriate dimensions for the use of the musicians. 
Around the entire room is a promenade seven feet in 
width. Two rows of seats are arranged along this fin© 
walk, capable of accommodating at least six hundred 
people. The ice bed is about three feet below this, 
access thereto being afforded by means of a stairway 
at each corner. The main apartment is indeed a grand 
room, lofty and spacious, and with something of tho 
Bublime in the vast and beautiful arched roof, quite un- 
obstructed by unsightly beams and timbers, the vast 
space being spanned only by a few iron rods, which 
are not really necessary, but are put there to gratify 
the imagination of the people, and allay any fears as 
to the strength and safety of the roof 

The principal entrance to the rink is on Ninth street, 
by a large double door. The entrance hall is twelve 
by eight feet, upon one side of the Director's room and 
ticket office with two windows. Next to that is the 
ladies' parlor, which is twenty-two by twelve feet in 
size, and is elegantly furnished. Adjoining this is a 
dressing and wash room, supplied with all things 
necessary for arranging the toilet. The gentleman's 
parlor is the same size as the other. 

The outside of the building is covered with two coata 
of drab paint, and is ornamented by a rich cornice. 



HISTORY OF QUINCT. 91 

The roof is a perfect arch, the spans supporting it being 
two semi-circles, eighty-four feet in diameter. 

In the lower part of the sides of the building are the 
windows or doors for ventilation or freezing the air, 
passing through them under the* promenade, and into 
the main hall under the ice, thereby making the tem- 
perature the same in all parts of the room, 

The grounds were leased to the association for fiv» 
years, at a rental of six per cent, of the value of the 
ground which is $35 per foot, with the privilege of pur- 
•basing at these figures any time wuthin five years. 

Thus by the spirit and enterprise of a number of our 
leading citizens, Quincy secured a place of resort for 
the young and old of our city, where the exhilarating 
pastime of skating is indulged with every security of 
life, and also with a management that provides such 
restrictions and regulations as will guard the moral 
and social atmosphere surrounding the same. We 
know of no institution better calculated to enhance th« 
pleasures of life in Quincy than this, and therefore 
mention it with pride. 



92 HISTORY or QUINCY. 



OR '• MEN Oi' MARK " IN QUINCY. 



Quincy is vastlj indebted to her railway system for 
much that she is and expects to be. True, she had the 
grand old Mississippi flowing before her to the sea ; but 
this great artery of commerce, while it is invaluable aa 
an auxiliary to prosperity, was not sufficient to advance 
our city with the rapidity that has attended its growth. 
Our railroads have without doubt been the most po- 
tent in forwarding our city in commerce and manufac 
tures, and we naturally turn to the men who have been 
prominent in conceiving and constructing them. 

Foremost among them stands Charles A Savage, 
President of the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Eailroad. 

A native of Maine, Mr. Savage after graduating at 
Bowdoin College, in 1837, and being admitted to the 
bar at Bangor, in 1839, came to Quincy in the latter 
year, being then 24 years of age. Admitted to the bar 
here, he promptly set to work, and soon after receiv- 
ed the appointment of Illinois agent of the Munn 
Illinois Land Company, in which capacity, and in a 
general land agency, he continued to a recent date. 

In the year 1848, the old State Bank of Illinois hav- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 93 

ing closed up its business, and there being no institution 
furnishing banking facilities on the Mississippi River 
north of St. Louis, Mr. Savage, in company with ]Srew- 
ton Flagg and I. O. Woodruff, established a banking 
house, and continued in that business for many years, 
A man of powerful mind, and great foresight, '^^he early 
saw the importance of making Quincy the center of the 
railroad system that was seeking connection with the 
Mississippi. One of the original movers in the project 
of building the Quincy & Toledo, Quincy & Palmyra, 
and the Quincy & Chicago railroads, he was for a num- 
ber of years President of the first. Director of the sec- 
ond up to its consolidation with the Hannibal & St. Joe, 
and for a long period treasurer of the third. 

With others Mr. Savage organized the Meredosia 
Bridge Compan^^, to bridge the Illinois Eiver for rail- 
road purposes, and was i)resident of that company. — 
With other prominent citizens of Quincy he also took 
the initiatory steps in the organization of the Quincy 
Railroad Bridge Companies of Missouri and Illinois, 
and was one of the first Directors. After their consol- 
idation he was chosen Secretary of the Company, and 
continued as such until the final completion of the grand 
structure which now spans the Mississippi River at this 
point. 

Such is a brief 7-ecord of the activity displayed by 
Charles A. Savage, in enterprises that have now be- 
come successful, and are monuments of his sagacity and 
foresight; out in others now being projected, with the 
most encouraging prospects of early completion, he has 
been if anything more active and zealous than in the 
former. 



94 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Within the past two years he has filled the position 
of Secretary of the Quincy & Warsaw Eailroad; has 
been President of the Quincy, Alton & St. Louis Rail- 
way Company, has acted as Director of the Toledo, Wa- 
bash & Western, and is now as we have said, President 
of the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Railway. 

Moreover, Mr. Savage, although devoting much of 
his time to enterprises such as the above, has been sec- 
ond to none in his zeal for the moral and social advance- 
ment of Quincy. A christian gentleman of the noblest 
type, he has munificently aided the charitable, educa- 
tional and religious institutions of our city, and has at 
all times been the friend of science and art. 

Of pleasant and affable address, of rare judgment and 
thorough business qualifications, a deep thinker and 
sagacious observer, he wields a large influence with 
the leading men of Quincy, and is admired and esteem- 
ed by all who know him. 



HISTORY OF QUINCr. 9S 



AGEICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 



Where such an extent of rare farming land is to be 
found, the manufacture of agricultural implements and 
machines, ought certainly to meet with success, and bo 
carried forward on a large scale. We regret to admit 
that in this respect Quincy has not developed her ener- 
gies as rapidly as in other departments of manufactures. 
True, those engaged in this branch are among the most 
enterprising and active of our manufacturers, but there 
are not enough of them to give our city eminence as a 
manufacturing mart for agricultural machines and im- 
plements. Whatever is undertaken here is energetic- 
ally carried on, and those who have embarked in this 
branch of manufactures have been successful beyond 
their most sanguine anticipations. 

We have now three firms engaged in turning out 
work in this line, and they find little difficulty in com- 
peting with other localities. They employ annually a 
large number of hands, pay liberal wages, and turn out 
work that for finish, durability and use are not excelled 
anywhere. 

These firms are Joshua S. Wood & Co. ; W. T. & E. 
A. Eogers ; and Battell & Collins. 

The two latter firms do an extensive business in the 
manufacture and sale of all kinds^of plows, and are busy 
the year round filling orders. 



96 HlSTOilt OF QUINCY. 

The firm of Joshua S. Wood & Co. is engaged in a 
specialty ; manufacturing only the celebrated Yandiver 
Corn Planter. In this they have been vastly success- 
ful. Commencing work in 1865, their sales in that year 
amounted to only 550. In 1866 they increased to 800, 
in 1867 to 1,100. and the present year it will require 
over 2000 to till their orders. 

This firm employs a capital of $50,000, and works 80 
hands. 



HTSTORY OF QUINCY. 97 



MQ^. €\ ^. w^mmm^^ 



OR "MEN OF MARK IN QUINOY. 



The bar of Adams County, it is well known, has been 
prolific of great legal minds : but of all the gifted and 
erudite lawyers who have been prominent in our courts, 
none have been more eminent for ability and versatility 
than the subject of this sketch. 

Hon. Calvin A. Warren was born in New York, in 
1807, and first saw the light of day in a Court Houie, 
his father being sheriff of the county; which, consider- 
ing the events since transpiring, and the ardor with 
which he has devoted himself to the law, to say the 
least, forms a singular coincidence. Eeceiving a common 
school education, at an early age he entered a printing 
office in the capacity of " devil," and continued in that 
position until he perfected himself in the art, and was 
rewarded with a case. Soon after he obtained employ- 
ment in the Spectator office, at Salem, New York, and 
there for several months worked side by side with 
Horace Greely, of the New York Tribune, who has 
since won such fame as an editor and politician. While 
following the vocation of printer, Mr. Warren devoted 
himself also assiduously to the study of law, and in 
1828-9, retiring from the case, he proceeded to Hamp- 

7 



9% HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

shire, N. Y., and assumed the editorial management of 
the Hampshire Sentinel and Farmers' Journal. Here he 
remained until 1830, when in connection with his broth- 
er, A. Warren, he published the Palladium, at West 
Troy, N". Y. An uncompromising democrat, he soon 
after removed to Ballston Spa, Saratoga County, and 
established another paper in the interest of that party ; 
but the entire establishment being destroyed by fire, 
in the following spring, he associated with one of the 
proprietors of the Spectator, and established a paper at 
Belchester, IS". Y. In 1833, after a varied career in the 
newspaper business, he entered Transylvania Law Uni- 
versity, at Lexington, Kentucky, where he graduated 
with high honors in the latter part of 1834. He receiv- 
ed his first diploma the same year from the Supreme 
Court of Ohio, and commenced the practice of law at 
Batavia, in that State, with Thomas Morris, (father of 
Hon. I. lis". Morris, of this city, and afterwards United 
States Senator from Ohio,) as a partner. Eesolving to 
seek a home further west, in 1836 Mr. Warren came to 
tliis city, and after practicing law one year, removed to 
Warsaw, where he remained until 1839, when he re- 
turned to Quinc}^, and formed a law partnership with 
James H. Ealston, which continued some two years. — 
A.!meron Wheat, Esq., then associated with the firm, 
which now flourished under the style of Ealston, War- 
ren & Wheat. Upon the dissolution of this firm, Mr. 
Warren associated with Hon. O. C. Skinner, continuing 
.with him until that gentleman was elected Supreme 
Judge, when he formed a partnership with George Ed- 
monds, Jr., of Hancock County. This partnership last- 
ed lor several years, when Mr. Edmonds moving to 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 99 

Hancock Count}^, Mr. Warren associated with Hon. 
Alexander E. Wheat, his present joartner. An almost 
unprecedented career of success has attended this firra, 
and they have been engaged in most of the celebrated 
cases that have transpired in our courts for a^number of 
years. 

Returning to the time Col. Warren lived in Warsaw, 
we find that he owned one-third of all the land on which 
that city now stands ; also owned and controlled the 
first hotel and livery stable, and started the first brick 
yard there. He also conducted a large store, supplying 
not only the citizens of Warsaw and the surrounding 
country, but also the Indians for many miles around, 
with goods, amunition, &c. About this time he also 
chartered a steamer at Cincinnati, and loading it with 
an assorted cargo, made a successful trip around to 
Warsaw. Buying a large farm, he also managed that, 
but several bad seasons blasted his hopes in this line. 

In 1855 he returned to Quincy and embarked in 
manufecturing, building an extensive furniture factory 
near the site where the Union Passenger Depot now 
stands. Scarcely was this completed when it was des- 
troyed b}^ fire, envolving a loss upon the owner of ^30,- 
000. Not discouraged, however, he at once proceeded 
to replace the building consumed, and immediatel}^ 
erected the large building now occupied by Harris, 
Beebe & Co., on Fifth and Ohio streets. Here he re- 
sumed the manufacture of furniture, but the crash of 
1857 coming on, the enterprise proved unsuccessful. 

Thus have we noted many of the events in the career 
of Calvin A. Warren, as an editor, merchant, farmer, 



100 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

and manufacturer. His achievements as a lawyer have 
however been more marked, and this profession has 
been the crowning success of his life. 

A man of versatile talent, quick wit and shrewd 
judgment, he seems molded for success in every depart- 
ment of law — while the same rare gifts have made him 
also a prominent feature of the social element of Quin- 
cy. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 101 



THE QUINCY EAILEOAD BEIDGE. 

A STUPENDOUS ENTERPRISE — A GREAT ENGINEERING 
TRIUMPH. 



In view of the great and extending interests of tiie 
western trade, the importance of an uninterrupted rail- 
way crossing of the Mississippi, which would overcome 
the difficulties of low water in summer, and of the ice 
blockade of winter, was long appreciated by the enter- 
prising city of Quincy. Her sagacious business men 
foresaw the gigantic inter-oceanic trade that seeking an 
east and west transit on an unbroken line, would toler- 
ate no intermediate department, and would subject to 
its iron sway the mountain, the desert, and the river. 
Eising superior to mere local views, and in the interests 
of universal commerce, as well as to make secure their 
admirable location on the future highway, they invited 
public attention to the superior facilities for bridging 
the Mississippi at Quincy. As early as 1855, a charter 
for this purpose, drafted by Col. Samuel Holmes, one 
of the earliest friends of the measure, and pressed by 
a large number of public spirited citizens, was obtained 
from the State Legislature. The crisis of 1857, and the 
absorbing and protracted civil war which subsequently 



102 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

intervened, prevented however the prosecution of the 
project, and the charter was suffered to expire by limi- 
tation. Its old friends and advocates, prominent among 
whom may be named without invidiousness Ex-Gov. 
Wood, C. A. Savage, N. Bushnell, J. M. Pitman, Col. 
S. Holmes, and Thos. Redmond, still fondly cherished 
their enterprising conception, and at the session of 
1864-5, Mr. Redmond, at that time a representative 
from Adams County, succeeded in procuring a re-enact- 
ment of the act of incorporation from the Legislature 
of Illinois. The sanction of the National Government 
being deemed of the utmost importance, the task of 
securing it was devolved on Ex-Gov. John Wood, the 
founder and patriarch of the city, to whose liberality 
and public spirit it owes a large measure of its prosper- 
ity, and to whose national as well as local reputation 
in connection with the history of Illinois and the war 
for the Union, his exalted patriotism, sterling integrity 
of character, and tireless energy in the prosecution of 
the important trust committed to him, Quincy is in- 
debted for this grand and crowning contribution to her 
advancement, his great influence, and faithful and per- 
severing efforts having been chiefly instrumental in ob- 
taining the passage of the requisite act of Congress in 
face of the most formidable and persisteut opposition 
from rival interests. The incorporators under the act 
were John Wood, Samuel Holmes, James M. Pitman, 
and N. Bushnell, and the charter thus obtained, of the 
amplest character, granting equal privileges to all rail- 
roads, present or future, to avail themselves of any 
bridge constructed under its provisions on just and im- 
partial terms, and also carefully guarding the important 
interests of navigation. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 103 

The important pre-requisite of obtaiuiDg both State 
and I^ational sanction having been triumphantly achiev- 
ed, the next step was to secure the realization of the 
project. To this end was invited the co-operation of 
the three railroads having termini in Quincy — the Chi- 
cago, Burlington & Quincy, the Toledo, Wabash & Wes- 
tern, and the Hannibal & St. Joseph, and after several 
conferences, an arrangement was happily perfected in 
November, 1866, between the incorporators and the 
managers of the roads named, under which a union of 
their joint energies and efforts was effected for the 
prosecution of the great enterprise. Under this arrange- 
ment the Bridge Company was at once organized with 
N. Bushnell, of Quincy, James F. Joy, President of the 
C. B. & Q. R. E., Warren Colburn, Yice President T. W. 
& W. E. W., E. A. Chapin, Gen. Sup't T. W. & W. E, W., 
and John Lathrop, Treasurer II. & St. Jo. E. E., as Di- 
rectors, who at a subsequent meeting perfected the or- 
ganization by the appointment of the following officers : 
JSTehemiah Bushnell, President; Warren Colburn, Vice 
President ; Charles A. Savage, Secretary ; Amos T. 
Hall, Treasurer, and Newton Flagg, Assistant Treasu- 
rer and General Agent. 

It was determined by the Company that the bridge 
they were organized to construct should be a model 
structure, perfect, solid, permanent, and in every way 
w^orthy of its important position on the great thorough- 
fare of the world's commerce. To this end the first 
engineering talent of America was invoked, and after 
due and careful deliberation, the conception and execu- 
tion of the mighty work was entrusted to the following 
able and experienced board of engineers : Warren Col- 



104 HISTORY OF QUINCy. 

burn, coiisuiting engineer ; Thomas C. Clarke, chief 
engineer; Col. E. D. Mason, first assistant engineer 
and superintendent of construction ; and George Wol- 
cott and H. II. Killaly, assistant engineers. 

In devising the plan for the proposed bridge, several 
important considerations were involved requiring more 
than usual deliberation, and the employment of the best 
engineering skill. The river to be spanned was broad 
and capricious, noted for the general swiftness of its 
current, which rose to impetuosity during high water, 
and when concentered within its channel bounds during 
the low stages, for its immense masses of floating ice 
and the frequent terriffic disruption of vast ice-gorges 
at the breaking up in the spring, for its shifting sands 
and for its increasing tendency to abrade and wear 
away its banks. Of paramount importance moreover, 
was the necessity of paying due regard to the interests 
of navigation, and in view of the disasters of which 
other bridges on the river had been the prolific cause, 
to use every possible precaution against similar acci- 
cidents, and by providing ample, easy, and secure pas- 
sage way for the customary water craft, obviate the 
well-founded apprehensions which had hitherto existed 
in the minds of river men in regard to bridging the 
Mississippi. To accommodate opposing interests, as 
well as to overcome natural obstacles and impediments, 
in a spirit of liberality and enterprise which reflects 
favorably on American railway management, and is 
well worthy of the great corporations chiefly interest- 
ed, and of the magnitude of the duty they had under- 
taken, the Bridge Company gave their engineer corps 
a carte blanche as to cost, limited only by the accom- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 105 

plishment fully, perfectly, and completely, of all the ob- 
jects to be attained. With what ability, faithfulness 
and success these instructions were fulfilled, and with 
what wise economy in view of the great ends accom- 
plished the work was consummated, the grand struc- 
ture is itself a noble witness, and may be claimed with 
just pride by its constructors, as the most perfect and 
successful enterprise of its class in the United States. 

The extreme care in regard to the river interests is 
evidenced by the location of the bridge with special ref- 
erence to the steamboat channel, all diagonalism having 
been avoided and the most perfect and complete parallel 
to the flow of the current having been established by 
persistent triangulation. The success in this respect 
has been marked as well as satisfactory, as proved by 
the facility with which the largest class of steamboats 
have made the passage since its completion over one 
year ago, and, together with the faithful compliance 
with the act of congress in respect to the height of 
bridge above the highest known water, the spacious 
and perfectly manageble draw-bridge, the ample space 
between the more important piers on the channel side 
of the river, and the extra span of 200 feet on the east 
shore especially allowed for rafting purposes during 
high water in compliance with request, although in- 
volving a change of plan after the work was in prog- 
ress, proved the liberal and accommodating spirit of the 
company and elicited unanimous and unqualified com- 
mendation from every class of the river trade. 

In determining upon the important point of the site 
of the bridge a thorough scientiffic exploration was 
made of both banks of the river for the distance of two 



106 HISTORY OF QDINCY. 

miles from the extreme northern to the southern limits 
of the city, which finally resulted in the present admir- 
able location, the superiority of which, everything con- 
sidered, has been fully demonstrated in the completion 
and success of the enterprise. The point at which the 
great crossing leaves the Quincy side is at the foot of 
Spruce street, in the northwest part of the cit}^, where 
the intervention of the bay and island divided the dis- 
tance to be overcome into comparatively easy sections, 
where the west bank presented the most elevated and 
eligible point, and where soundings established a solid 
rock bottom in the channel of the river for the all-im- 
portant main or pivot pier. The great or main bridge, 
spanning the river from the island to the west bank, 
is 3185 feet in length. Its superstructure is of iron of 
the Pratt Truss, which years of trial has proved to be 
the best form for strength, durability and lightness. 
It rests upon nineteen piers of best quality of first class 
cut stone masonry. The foundation of all the water 
piers, except the centre or pivot pier, is of piles driven 
to refusal and cut off eight feet below low water. The 
foundation of the pivot pier is the solid rock in the bed 
of the river. The foundation of piles is supported by a 
filling of concrete to their top, on which is first placed 
a solid platform of a triple thickness of twelve-inch 
timbers, laid diagonally and firmly bolted together, on 
which five feet below the lowest known water, commen- 
ces the cut stone masonry, the bottom course of 2-foot 
stone, 12 feet in breadth by 40 feet in length, the second 
course of 20-inch stone, some 6 inches less in dimension, 
thence battiring of 7 feet breadth by 20 feet in length 
to the bridge seat. The foundation of the centre pier. 



HISTORY OP QUINCT. 107 

consists of four caissons of best sheet iron about forty 
feet long and fourteen feet in diameter, placed within 
cribs and sunk and scribed to the rock, 35 feet below 
low water, the sand being dredged out and the cavity- 
filled with concrete to the top of caissons and within 8 
feet of low water, whence the regular timber and stone 
foundation just described. The foundation of the piers 
are thoroughly rip-rapped beyond possibility of accident 
from any change in the bed of the river by washing. 
The foundation of pier Ko. 1, situated on the west bank 
of the river, 30 feet from the water edge, was formed 
by driving sheet piling, tongued and grooved, 20 feet 
below surface, enclosing a space of 30x40 feet, in the 
excavation of which. the abutment was built. The op- 
posite shore abutment, on the island, has a precisely 
similar foundation. The distance from first to second 
pier is 250 feet, thence 181 feet to third or pivot pier, 
thence 181 feet to pier No. 4, thence 250 feet to pier 5, 
then two spans of 200 feet to No. 7, thence 11 spans of 
157 feet, and concluding with a span of 200 feet, to the 
island on the east shore. 

The pivot is 362 feet in length, with a 30-foot turn- 
table operated by stationary steam power, supported by 
the main pier, and its ends when open rest on an equi- 
distant outside pier above and below, the upper one of 
which is protected by an immense ice-breaker. When 
the pivot is opened, the space on each side of centre 
pier is 160 feet in the clear. The superstructure is 15 
feet wide, accommodating a single track at an elevation 
of 32 feet above low water, and of 12 feet above the 
highest known water, as prescribed by the Act of Con- 
gress. 



108 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

The main bridge is connected with the east bank 
proper by an embankment across the island of 600 feet 
in length, elevated to grade, thence by a trestle bridge 
of 400 feet across Wood's slough, thence by 500 feet 
more embankment, thence over the bay by an iron 
drawbridge of the Bollman Truss 525 feet long, com- 
prising 6 spans, and with foundations and piers of same 
character as those in the river. A side track on a heavy 
embankment, commencing on Chestnut street and ex- 
tending 1800 feet with a curve, connects the grand 
crossing with the main track of the C. B. & Q., and T. 
W. & W. roads, on the east side, while a similar embank- 
ment of about three-fourths of a mile, completes the 
grand and unbroken connection with the H. & St. Jo. 
K. R. on the western bank of the river. 

This gigantic enterprise was completed in October, 
1868, and thus with the subsequent completion of the 
great Pacific Eailroad, affords an unbroken route by 
rail from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast ; giving 
Quincy advantages and facilities enjoyed by no interior 
city of the Union. 

The cost of this grand structure was as follows : 

Main Bridge $1,150,625 

Bay Bridge 165,690 

Embankments 149,755 

Protecting Shores 33,930 

Total, $1,500,000 

While many of our leading citizens by constant agi- 
tation and untiring efforts did much to secure to Quin- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 109 

cy this great work, we must not omit to award due 
credit to the management of the three great lines of 
railroad centering here, who displayed such liberality 
and energy in its construction, and thus served the 
double purpose of advancing their own interests and 
tho3e of our flourishing city. 



110 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



OR "iMEN OP mark" IN QUINCY. 



There are few, if any of our citizens, who struggled 
more persistently or successfuly in Quincy than Henry 
r. Joseph Eicker, from the time of his arrival here to 
the present day. Xone made a more humble start in 
life, and none have achieved greater comparative wealth 
and prominence. 

Born in Germany, in 1822, he emigrated to this 
countrj^ with his parents in 1839, arriving at ^ew Or- 
leans in December of that year. Remaining there but 
a few months, he proceeded to St. Louis, where he also 
tarried a short time, and then continued up the river 
to Quincy. Arriving here on the 4th day of March, 
1840, he obtained employment as an ordinaay laborer 
from John Wood, Sr., and thus assisted his father to 
pay for two lots he had purchased from that gentleman. 

We next find him clerking in a grocery store under 
the Quincy House, where he remained three years. — 
Subsequently he also clerked for S. & W. B. Thayer, 
Chas. Holmes, and Albert Daneke, until 1849, when he 
associated with Leopold Arntzen, and opened a dry 
goods and grocery store. Continuing in this for seven 
years with great success, he accumulated considerable 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. Ill 

means, and in 1857 embarked in the produce business. 
In the spring of 1858 Mr. Eicker was elected police 
magistrate, and re-elected in 1862. About this time he 
began the banking and exchange business on a small 
scale, also selling passage tickets to and from Europe. 
Shrewd and cautious, every thing he engaged in pros- 
pered, and wealth came to him surely and steadily. The 
Illinois banks going down about this period, he bought 
u\) considerable of what was then known as " stump 
tail" currency, the transaction paying him handsomely. 
Having the confidence of the entire community, his 
banking business enlarged rapidly, and in 1865, the ne- 
cessity for greater facilities induced him to buyout the 
banking house of John Wood & Co., then located on 
the corner of Fifth and Maine streets. Soon after, tak- 
ing in Bernard II. F. Iloene as a partner, he removed 
his banking house to its present site, on Hampshire 
street, between Fifth and Sixth, where an almost un- 
precedented career of success has attended the firm. 

Possessed of large wealth, wielding a vast influence 
with the German population of our city, he has done 
much to develop the resources of Quincy. A man of 
scrupulous integrity, and untiring industry, no citizen 
retains the confidence and esteem of the community to 
a more exalted degree than Henry F. Joseph Eicker. 



112 HISTORY OF QUIiNCY. 



SAW MILL. 



At present Qiiincy boasts of but one saw mill, within 
its corporate limits, but this one is a model in every 
respect, and capable of supplying a large quantity of 
timber annually to the market. This large mill is ad- 
mirably located on the Bay, and is owned and operated 
by James Arthur & Co. This is one of the most enter- 
prising firms in the city, and they keep their mill in 
active operation, nearly the entire year, supplying not 
only the home market, but shipping also largely to 
points on the various railroads diverging from Quincy. 
There is scarcely a kind or quality of lumber or timber 
known to the trade but is here turned out, and our 
manufacturers in other departments are thus enabled 
to obtain material at all times, and at the most reason- 
able rates. The present year Messrs. Arthur & Co. 
have employed at their establishment 45 hands, whose 
monthly pay-roll averaged ^2,000, and who turned out 
during the year 1869, about 5,000,000 feet of lumber. 
$100,000 is the amount of capital employed in this en- 
terprise. 



BEOOM FACTORY. 

One Broom factory flourishes in our city, and its 
proprietor is doing an excellent business in his line. — 
Eichard Hobart is the owner. 



HISTORY OF QITTNCY. 113 



Oft "MEN OF MARK IN QUTNCY, 



Around the bar of Quincy clusters many recollections 
of the great achievi^raents of its members, and the 
memorable events to which they have been witness. 
Distinguished for their marked talent, many of the 
legal conflicts in which they have participated, have 
passed into the casus celebri of American jurisprudence. 
Men of giant intellects, within the dusky walls of the 
old court house, and beside the pine tables of less state- 
ly ediSces in other sections of the state, their acute 
reasoning and profound logic have met as steel to steel, 
while the magic eloquence of their voices has on many 
an occasion stirred populace and jury in behalf of their 
clients. Beyond doubt, no body of men of equal num» 
bers has given so many master minds to the counjtxy. 
Without wealth or influence, they began their career, 
and genial spirits as they were, made their profession a 
labor of love as well as necessity. 

Successful has have been many of these able men, 
none have achieved a more deserved fame than the 
gifted and accomplished subject of this sketch. 

8 



114 HISTORY OP QUINCY. 

A native of New York, Alexander E. Wheat passed 
his young days on a farm with his parents, at the same 
time receiving a good education. Early aspiring to the 
law, he entered an office, and at the age of eighteen 
was admitted to the bar. 

Young, ardent, and devoted to his profession, hft 
came to this city and threw his modest shingle to the 
breeze. Faithful to the interests of his clients, and 
zealous for success, prosperity dawned upon him, and 
he soon took rank among the foremost at the bar. In 
1857, he was appointed City Attorney, and in 1862, 
was sent to the Legislature from Adams County, be- 
coming a marked man in that body, although one of 
its youngest members. Since retiring from the Legis- 
lature, Mr. Wheat has aspired to no political honors, 
although repeatedly urged by his friends and fellow 
citizens for exalted positions. 

At present a member of the City Council, and a part- 
ner in the law firm of Warren & Wheat, he ranks as 
one of the prominent and enterprising citizens of Quin- 
cy, notwishstanding he is still a young man. A pro- 
found thinker, stout reasoner, and eloquent pleader, 
Alexander E. Wheat has few superiors as a lawyer, 
while in the social walks of life, his unassuming man- 
ners, ready flow of language and genial qualities, are no 
less marked. 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 11^ 



FEINTING. 

Printing is carried on to a high state of perfection in 
our city, and nothing in this line can be turned out in 
better or more workmanlike style than is done at our 
printing establishments. Early in the history of Quin- 
cy a spirit of commendable rivalry began among the 
members of the craft, and the result has been, that con- 
stant improvement and progress has marked this de- 
partment of manufactures. We have now in operation 
five printing establishments, all of which are managed 
by experienced and skillful printers, and as a natural 
result are meeting with success. The finest work 
known to the trade can be had here, and at rates below 
larger cities. A large amount of work is done annually 
by these houses, not only for Quincy, but also for a 
large surrounding country. 

The firms now engaged in this business are : — Gil- 
more & Skinner; Heirs & Eussell ; Herald Printing Co.; 
Whig Printing Co.; T. M. Eogers. 

They do all kinds of book, job and newspaper print- 
ing, and in every style known to first class printing 
houses. 



HAIE WOEK. 



Two firms carry on the manufacture of hair work, 
and are doing handsomely. They are : J. C. Ottenstein 
and N. G. Pearsons. 



116 HISTORY OF QUINOT. 



€• M. P@Mi^QT» FsBSi^M^TiST ^au'iQ^aM, Ba^s, 



OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINOY. 



The subject of this sketch has had a large share in 
promoting the success of Quincy, and many institutions 
of which she may well be proud. 

C. M. Pomroy was born in Massachusetts, from which 
State he migrated west at an early age, and located at 
Cincinnati. There for a short period he engaged in 
selling groceries, and in 1837 came to Quincy. He at 
once obtained employment in the pork house of Joel 
Rice, and continued with this gentleman until 1843, 
when in connection with Geo. Bond and Jas. D. Morgan 
he established himself in business as one of the firm of 
Bond, Morgan & Co. For twenty-four years this firm 
operated largely in pork^ and the eminent success with 
which its extensive business was managed is a proud 
tribute to the sagacity and ability of its members. He 
was among other prominent citizens active in founding 
the Quincy Savings Bank, now the First National Bank 
— and it is but just to say that for the unprecedented 
success that has attended the career of that institution, 
it is largely indebted to the prudence, judgment, and 
financial skill of C. M. Pomroy. One of its first Direct- 
ors, he has followed its fortunes through every stage of 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 117 

its existence, having filled nearly every position within 
the gift of the Board, and to-day, as its efficient and 
able President, he can in common with all those who 
have been instrumental in making this institution a 
success, look back with pride to the career of usefulness 
through which it has passed, to its present pre-eminent 
position among the financial institutions of Quincy. 

While Mr. Pomroy has thus contributed largely to 
the success of every firm and corporation with which 
he has been immediately connected, he has not been 
less active or efficient in promoting enterprises of a 
public character. Active and untiring in business, in 
social life he is warm, pleasant and genial, and few of 
Quincy's citizens carry with them as large a share of 
public esteem for great and generous qualities as C. M. 
Pomroy. 



118 HISTORY OP QUINCY. 

POKK PACKING. 

In the matter of pork packing, Quincy has been for 
various reasons retrograding for several years past. — 
True, there has been a decided falling off in the number 
of hogs raised during the same time ; but this of itself 
would not have caused so vast a discrepancy between 
the amount packed this season, and seasons of packing 
five or six years ago. The great reason undoubtedly 
is to be found in the direct railroad connection many 
localities now have with Chicago and St. Louis, that 
were formerly tributary to Quincy. Both those cities 
being leading pork markets, it is not strange that with 
equal railroad and transporting facilities they have suc- 
ceeded in diverting a portion of our trade in this line. 
But while this has been the case, we have been recom- 
pensed doubly for our loss in this particular by the 
marked increase in our jobbing trade and manufactures. 

This season, considering that money is light every- 
where, and pork extremely high, our packers have done 
remarkably well, displaying more or less activity about 
their establishments all the time. Thus far in the sea- 
son they have packed about 25,000 head of hogs, but as 
the yield is light everywhere this year, it cannot be 
taken as an average winter's work. 

The following firms are engaged in packing this sea- 
son : — A.J. F. Prevost ; Adams, Sawyer & Co.; C. 
Kathman & Co. ; C. A. Yanden Boom & Co.: H. Witte, 
and J. Q. Adams & Co. 

These firms have all extensive packing houses and 
are prepared to do a large business in this line. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 119 



OR ''MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch has not only at all times 
taken a decided interest in the commercial and social 
advancement of Quincy, but has contributed largely by 
his efforts to such a consummation. 

George Adams was born in Maryland, in 1814, and 
there served an apprenticeship as a moulder. Coming 
to Quincy in 1842, in connection with his brother, Jas. 
Adams, and Milton E. Worrell, he established the Quin- 
cy Foundry, which was built on the site of the present 
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Eailroad Depot. He 
continued in this business until 1849, when the Califor- 
nia gold mania spreading to Quincy, Mr. Adams, with 
others made the trip overland to the golden shores of 
the Pacific. After three years experience in the mines 
of California, Mr. Adams returned to Quincy, and estab- 
lished in connection with James Adams the firm of G. 
& J. Adams, buying and shipping grain, and also pack- 
ing pork during the winter season. This firm was after- 
wards changed to Adams, Sawyer & Co., but under all 
circumstances, and under whatever name it has operat- 
ed, it has met with flattering success, and has resulted 
in large profits to its members. This uninterrupted 



\2Q[ HI8T0RY OF QUINCY. 

success is attributable to the cautious and able manago- 
ment of Mr. Adams and brother, who at all times di- 
rected the affairs of the firm. Mr. Adams is now the 
senior member of the firm of J. Q. Adams & Co., engag- 
ed in the same line, and doing an extensive business. 

Devoting himself assiduously to his business at all 
times, he has also given largely of his time to forward 
public enterprises — and within the last year has by his 
efforts done much towards the success of the Quincy, 
Missouri & Pacific Eailroad, of which he is now one of 
the Directors, and a most ardent friend. 

A thorough gentleman in every acceptation of the 
term, and one who has been a substantial friend of Ihe 
religious and educational institutions of Quincy, Mr. 
Adams is the peer of any of our citizens, in the esteem 
and admiration of the public. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 121 



RECTIFIERS. 

In addition to having here two extensive distilleries, 
T^e have also a number of rectifying establishments, 
which are managed by experienced and reliable firms. 
They do an extensive business in rectifying and purify- 
ing liquors, and employ a large amount of capital in 
the business. These rectifying establishments are at- 
tached to the wholesale liquor houses of the city, 
and the liquors manufactured thus go to supply the de- 
mand from the city and also the adjacent points in Illi- 
nois, Missouri and Iowa. The following are the firms 
now engaged in this line : — 

Adamy & Levi ; S. Berger & Co.; W. Karp : R. W. 
Nance & Co.; J(&hn Altmix & Bro.; F. W. Hackmann ; 
John Meyer &.Co.; Sengen, Willi & Co. 



SODA FACTORIES. 

Two factories for the manufacture of soda are in op- 
eration here, and turn out a very excellent quality of 
the same. The firms are : — Durholt & Co., and Bos- 
chulte & Knauf. 

In this business capital is employed to the amount of 
118,000. 



122 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



^WBQB TMQM^& ^. X£W€MM&E,, 



OR "MEN OF MARK' IN QUINCY. 



Thomas J. Mitchell, present Judge of the County 
Court of Adams County, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
in 1831. As early as 1835 his parents came to Quincy, 
and near here young Mitchell passed his boyhood on a 
farm. Arriving at maturity he embarked in merchan- 
dizing, which he pursued successfully until the breaking 
out of the war in 1861, when he entered the army as a 
private in the 3d Missouri Cavalry. He was not des- 
tined to remain long in a subordinate position however, 
and we soon find him 1st Lieutenant, then Captain, and 
finally Major of his regiment. Possessed in a large de- 
gree of all those qualities of head and heart that won 
all with whom he came in contact, Maj. Mitchell in ad- 
dition to being the idol of his regiment, became at once 
one of the most popular officers of the army. Devoted 
to the cause in which he was engaged, he was ever ac- 
tive and faithful in the discharge of his duties. With 
the exception of being captured at Charlotte Blufi^, Mo., 
in a cavalry charge, he passed through the war unharm- 
ed, and retired in 18G5 w^ith an enviable reputation as a 
gallant and humane officer. 

Returning to Quincy the same year, he was nominat- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 123 

ed by the Eepublican party for County Judge, and 
although the county is strongly democratic, was elected 
on his great personal popularity. In 1869, his term 
having expired, he was re-nominated, and although 
herculean efforts were made to defeat him, his person- 
al popularity again triumphed, and he continues for 
another term of four years, as County Judge, in which 
position his uniform kindness, thorough integrity, and 
faithful discharge of duties, have won for him the high- 
est encomiums. 



124 HISTORY OP QUINCY. 



FUEJSriTUEE. 



in no department of manufactures have Quincy me- 
chanics achieved greater success than in the manufac- 
ture of furniture. For years we have manufactured 
qxtensivel}^ in this line, and the furniture turned out at 
our factories has met with a ready sale in all the sur- 
rounding states. Many of the firms now engaged in 
this branch have been at it for a long period, and while 
they have made it pay, they have also given universal 
satisfaction to their patrons. The very best material 
for this kind of work is obtained here in abundance, 
and with a large force of excellent mechanics, under 
experienced management, is all that is necessary to in- 
sure success. 

The following firms are now engaged in the manu- 
facture of furniture : — F. W. Jansen & Son ; F. Duker ; 
Elrott & Jochem ; Schutte & Co. ; F. Senger ; and Hen- 
ry A. Yanden Boom & Co. 

These firms employ 85 hands, and turn out annually 
$193,600 worth of furniture. The capital invested 
amounts to $83,000. 



OEGANS. 



Recently Messrs. Witney & Holmes embarked here in 
the manufacture of organs, at which they are having 
decided success. Their instruments are of excellent 
make, and in tone and finish will compare with those 
of eastern manufacture. They have already built up 
an extensive trade. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 125 



WM. BWEi^WEBEEs&» &mA&i^G MEsgma^WM 



OR " MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY. 



While much has been accomplished for our city by 
the shrewd and energetic men who came here in early 
days from the eastern and middle states, it must not be 
forgotten that the foreign element has contributed vast- 
ly to the prosperity and advancement of Quincy. — 
German and Irish citizens have been not only active, 
but also prominent in every department of art and 
trade, and have by their thrift and enterprise, added 
wealth and power to our city. 

Prominent among the German citizens of Quincy, on 
account of his thorough business qualifications, and also 
for the influence he wields, stands William Steinwedell, 
Esq., of the firm of Bertschinger & Steinwedell, leading 
hardware and iron merchants. Born in the city of 
Hanover, Germany, in 1827, he had scarcely passed the 
age of maturity when he resolved to cross the Atlantic, 
and in the broad expanse of the new world and the new 
republic battle for success and prosperity. Arriving in 
this country in 1849, having had previous experience 
in the hardware business, he at once obtained employ- 
ment in this line as a clerk. He did. not long content 
himself as the employee of others, but in 1851 we find 



126 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

him established in the same trade for himself, as a 
member of the same firm of which he is to-day an act- 
ive and honorable member. Managed shrewdly and 
cautiously, yet with a liberal degree of enterprise, suc- 
cess has attended this firm from the outset, and to it 
we are indebted for many reforms in the hardware 
trade of Quincy, among which may be cited that of 
making the first direct importations from Europe to 
our city. At present the firm is doing a splendid busi- 
ness, and is a credit to Quincy. 

A prominent and influential member of the Eepublican 
party, in 1862 he received the nomination for Mayor of 
Quincy, but the city being strongly democratic he was 
defeated. However, his aspirations are not of a politi- 
cal but of a business and social character; and while in 
the former he has made his mark as a sagacious and 
successful merchant, he is not less eminent in social cir- 
cles for his rare accomplishments and genial qualities. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 127 



FEUIT AND PICKLE FACTOEY. 

Within the past few years Quincy has spread into 
such metropolitan proportions that a great many en- 
terprises that were previously uncalled for have sprung 
up in our midst, and met with decided success. Among 
these may be cited the fruit and pickle factory started 
only a year or more ago, and which is now doing busi- 
ness on an extensive scale. Fruits and pickles of all 
kinds are put up at this establishment in a style that is 
not surpassed in the east ; and the product of this 
house will bear comparison with goods from the oldest 
and most famous establishments in the country. A 
large section of western country is now being supplied 
by this firm. 



ROPE AND TWINE. 

Two establishments are now engaged in the manu- 
facture of rope, twine &c., and employ during the year, 
on an average some twenty hands. They are owned 
and conducted by skillful and industrious mechanics, 
who do excellent work at moderate rates. The firms 
are : — B. H. Goodno ; J. H. Wavering & Co. 

The capital invested in this line amounts to $14,400. 



128 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



M. tF^€^MS» Ms»aMaj^r» 



OR ••MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



Among the Hebrew population of our city are many 
who have aided largely in the development and prog- 
ress of Quincy. Many of our leading and most enter- 
prising business men come from their ranks, and of this 
number is the subject of this sketch. 

M. Jacobs, Esq., was born in Prussia, in 1828, and 
emigrated to America in 1844. He at once embarked 
in business in New York, commencing in the manufac- 
ture of hats and caps. He remained in New York but 
one year, when he proceeded to St. Louis, and there 
followed the same line of manufacturing. He soon gave 
this up and opened a dry goods house, which he con- 
ducted until 1847, when he came to Quincy and opened 
a clothing house. From then until now he has contin- 
ued successfully in this department of trade in our city, 
his career having been an honorable and upright one 
throughout. In 1864, the citizens of the Second Ward 
recognizing his value as a man, and appreciating his 
integrity, elected Mr. Jacobs to represent them in the 
City Council, where he served them ably and efficiently, 

A man possessed of thorough business qualifications, 
and full of enterprise, Mr. Jacobs is boJ,h a valuable and 
in:fluential citizen. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 129 



BOOK BINDEES. 

Quincy boasts at present three book binderies, where 
experienced and competent workmen turn out jobs not 
to be[excelled anywhere for style and use. One of these 
binderies is rot to be excelled in facilities and arrange- 
ments for turning out work by any in the State. All 
work in this line for many miles around is sent to 
Quincy binderies, and there is no question but what 
satisfaction follows. The firms are : — Herald Printing 
Co.; G. Eberhard ; G. Hermann. 



BOOTS AND SHOES. 

We have in this line no extensive factories, althoup-h 
there is little doubt but boots and shoes could be manu- 
factured to advantage in Quincy on an extensive ^cale. 
Some forty small establishments, where from two to 
seven hands are employed do remarkably well, and are 
yearly having additions of new firms to their number. 

9 



130 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



For her great prestige as a wholesale market, and 
the vast jobbing trade that has centered here in the past 
few years, Quincy is indebted in a large measure to the 
subject of this sketch. His sagacity and foresight first 
induced our merchants to branch out in the wholesale 
line, and his untiring industry and energy have been 
potent in sustaining this department of our commerce, 
and placing it on a permanent basis. 

A native of Berlin, Prussia, Louis Buddee received 
his business education in the store of his father, one of 
the oldest houses in Berlin, and subsequently managed 
the business of the firm for a period of ten years. In 
1848, when the people of Schleswig-Holstein called for 
aid to resist the encroachments upon their freedom by 
the Danes, he, with a number of other young men, 
equipped himself, and responded to the call. After sev- 
eral severe battles, victory perched upon their banners, 
and he then removed to Frankfort, where he compiled 
tiic statistics of the commerce of that city, for the use 
of the committee on commerce of the JSTational Con- 
gress. The following spring, in company with several 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 131 

members of the National Congress, he went to Man- 
heim, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, assisted in organ- 
izing a corps of volunteers, and was appointed to com-, 
raand a battalion of the revolutionary armj^. After the 
defeat of the people, he went with the remnant of his 
corps to Switzerland, and from there started for New 
York, where he arrived in October, 1849. Proceeding 
to St. Louis in the following summer, he at once obtain- 
ed employment as commercial traveler for a wholesale 
house, and in this capacity first visited Quincy. Con- 
tinuing with the St. Louis house several years, during 
that time he made a number of friends in our city, and 
having confidence in the future of Quincy, in 1854 he 
located here, purchasing the grocery and confectionery 
business of Emil Kull. Enlarging the business, and 
meeting with decided success, in 1856 he bought the 
Mauzey building, on the north side of the Square, and 
built an addition, which made it the largest store edifice 
in Quincy. Here he first commenced the wholesale 
business, but labored under many disadvantages. The 
success of Quincy as a metropolitan city was then a 
doubtful question with many of our merchants and cit- 
izens. Keokuk was looming up, and many were dis- 
posed to look upon that as the great wholesale market 
above St. Louis. Not so with Mr. Buddee. Ever con- 
fident that a brilliant future awaited our city, he strug- 
gled on with herculean strength, determined to build 
here a wholesale and jobbing mart that would compete 
successfully with St. Louis and Chicago. He soon in- 
duced country merchants to come here for their sup- 
plies; but still there was a want of variety in the 
wholesale department, and there was a want of en- 



132 HISTORY OF QUINCT. 

couragement for those who sought our city as a base 
of supplies. Laboring under these disadvantages, and 
the crisis of 1857 coming on, in 1858 Mr. Buddee was 
forced to retire from business. Still confident, however, 
of his ability to succeed here, in 1861 he induced Geo. 
and F. Meyer to embark in business in this city, and in 
partnership with them, started the first exclusive whole- 
sale grocery house in Quincy. Success crowned this 
final eifort, and prosperity attended the firm. In 1868 
Geo. Meyer retired from the firm to visit Europe, and 
the firm now became Buddee & Meyer. The present 
year, in order to supply the great demand made upon 
Quincy for groceries, and with a view to giving it a 
wholesale house worthy so thriving and prosperous a 
city, Messrs. Buddee & Meyer consolidated with W. S. 
Warfleld, and under the firm name of Buddee, Warfield 
& Meyer opened their present colossal grocery estab- 
lishment in the magnificent new block recently erected 
by Ilobert S. Benneson, Esq. Here they have one of 
the best arranged stores in the west, equal in size and 
stock to any in Chicago or St. Louis, and employing 
twelve hands and two teams constantly. 

Such has been the career of Quincy's pioneer in the 
wholesale trade, and who, after reviewing it, but will 
say that Mr. Buddee has richly earned the prosperity 
that has attended him, and the house of which he is the 
worthy head, the past few years. V\^ho can predict the 
future that awaits the new firm of Buddee, Warfield & 
Meyer? All men of energy, enterprise, and ability, there 
are no bounds to the trade that must flow into them, 
and no limit to the extent of their future prosperity. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 1^3 



CONFECTIONEES. 

In the manufacture of candies, confectionery, &c., 
four firms are engaged, and do an extensive business. 
They give employment to a large number of hands, 
and with the product of their establishments supply a 
large region of country. The candies and confectionery 
from these establishments are as pure and palatable as 
any that is made, and is supplied to the trade as low if 
not lower than eastern goods. 

The firms now engaged in this line are : — Brow^n 
Bros. ; W. Buehrer; Duckworth & Bugbee, and O. W. 
Gallup. They manufacture annually about $182,000 
worth of confectioneries. 



MAEBLE WOEKS. 

Three firms do an extensive business in this line, and 
have large forces of men at work constantly. Our 
cemeteries show their taste and skill to splendid advan- 
tage, and mark them as accomplished workmen. But 
they have not stopped here, for these shops have turn- 
ed out work that has astonished even our own citizens, 
by its beauty of design and faithful execution. 

H. B. Yolk ; W. M. Eobertson, and W. H. Green & 
Co. are engaged in this line at present. They employ 
on an average 28 hands. 



13 i HISTORY OP QUINCY. 



OR " MEN OP mark" IN QUINCY. 



We have spoken elsewhere of the achievements of 
Quincy genius in the field of invention, and come now 
to one w^ho in this line has won a national if not a 
world-wide fame. 

Kobert W. Gardner, the present head of the firm of 
Gardner & Eobertson, is a native of England, having 
been born in London, in 1832. He remained there only 
until he was seven years of age, when he removed to 
Scotland, where he was admitted to the Edinburgh 
" School of Designs," an institution conducted by the 
government for the purpose of educating the youth of 
the country in science and mechanism. Only a certain 
number were admitted to the institution, and these 
contributed a specified sum to its support. While here 
although a mere youth, his mechanical and inventive 
genius asserted itself, and he became a marked student 
in the school. 

After receiving a thorough education, he resolved to 
cross the Atlantic and visit the United States. In 1849 
he arrived in New York, but remaining only a short 
time, continued west to Illinois, locating at Eushville, 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 135 

and obtaining employment as a farm hand. Here he 
also taught school during the winter months. Passing 
two years in this locality, he concluded to return to 
Scotland to pass the remainder of his days. Kecrossing 
the Atlantic in 1851, he returned to Scotland, and on 
attending the World's Fair held that year, his mind 
underwent a change, and he resolved to revisit the 
United States, which he did in a few months, again lo- 
cating at Rushville as a school teacher. Soon after he 
came to Quincy, and engaged with Edward Turner to 
learn the trade of machinist. Continuing with him a 
little over a year, he removed to Alton, III., and engag- 
ed as foreman of a machine shop there. Remaining at 
the last named place only two years, he returned to 
Quincy, and associating with him Henry Mitchell, 
bought the old Turner machine shop, and engaged in 
the manufacture of steam engines and general machinery, 
under the firm name of Gardner & Mitchell. Subse- 
quently they bought the Union Machine Shop, on Fifth 
street, and took into the firm a third partner in the 
person of Mr. Mitchell's brother. From the beginning, 
however, Mr. Gardner remained at the head of the 
firm, and in 1860, after various changes, he associated 
with him Mr. John Robertson, his present partner, 
since which time the firm has remained Gardner & 
Robertson, and passed through a career of unprecedent- 
ed prosperity. In 1865 the firm built their present 
model machine shop for the purpose of manufacturing 
the celebrated " Gardner's Improved Compensation 
Governor." 

This invention of Mr. Gardner's, which has become 
famous wherever steam is employed as a motive power, 



136 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

was first putenled by him in 1860, after having experi- 
mented two years to make it more perfect. He first 
improved it December 27th, 1864, and bad it re-issued 
September 5th, 1865. In November of the same year, 
he still further perfected it. and since then the demand 
for them has been so constant and increasing, that 
some thirty mechanics have been employed in their 
manufacture. They are now to be found in ever}^ state 
and territory in the Union, and also throughout the 
Canadas, and are acknowledged everywhere to be the 
Superior of every invention of the kind in use. 

In 1867, Messrs. Gardener & Eobertson opened the 
first machinists' and manufacturers' supply store, and 
in 1869 enlarged the same considerably. This year they 
also purchased the extensive hardware and iron store 
of Charles E. Allen, and consolidating the business of 
both houses into one, are conducting the same success- 
fully in the last named house, on Maine street, where 
with their thorough knowledge of the wants of the 
trade, and their practical familiarity with the business, 
a career of prosperity undoubtedly awaits them. 

In addition to his efforts as a mechanic and inventor 
Mr. G-ardner has also been prominent for his services in 
behalf of the social advancement of our city, and few 
men have labored more assiduously than him to elevate 
the morals and improve the religious status of Quincy. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 137 



CHAIES. 



Two extensive chair factories are now in operation 
and meeting with fair success. They turn out work of 
a superior style and finish, and have little difficulty in 
disposing of the same. The firms operating the estab- 
lishments are : — F. C. Westermann, and H. Laake & 
Co. 



ENGRAVING. 



Three firms do the engraving for the city, and as 
they are all experts at the work, satisfaction is render- 
ed. The firms are: John Hobrecker; H. Hulseman, 
and Ottman & Folger. 



MATCH FACTORIES. 

Among new enterprises recently started here is the 
manufacture of matches, in which Yon X. Widenbauer 
and John Stuckman are successfully engaged. 



138 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



Among those who gave their time and services to the 
nation during the late war, none devoted themselves 
with more ardor and heroism to the cause of the Union, 
or retired from the army with a better record for fidel- 
ity and valor, than the veteran whose name heads this 
page. 

Captain Michael Piggott, present Post Master of 
Quincy, was born in Ireland, in 1834, and emigrated to 
this country with his parents in 1841, settling in St. 
Louis, Mo. His parents being in indigent circumstan- 
ces, when quite a boy young Piggott obtained employ- 
ment as cabin boy on one of our Mississippi river steam- 
ers, and by his labors not only relieved his parents from 
the burden of his own support, but contributed materi- 
ally to their aid and comfort from his scanty wages. — 
In 1850, young Piggott, then only sixteen years old re- 
tired from the river, and with commendable foresight 
apprenticed himself to a bricklayer, to learn that trade, 
that he might have something permanent upon which 
to rely in the future. In the spring of 1854, he removed 
to Quincy, and began life here a young man of twenty, 
with a clear head and good habits, but without even a 
common school education. Eealizing the disadvanta- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 139 

ges under which he labored for want of an education, 
he at once resolved to supply that deficiency, and with 
a determination peculiar to the man, he at once com- 
menced the work of educating himself. While follow- 
ing the business of a contractor, erecting buildings, &c., 
he obtained books and took his first lessons in self edu- 
cation, learning the alphabet, and then to spell, read 
and write. This accomplished the path of life grew 
brighter before him, and he unfortunately determined 
to enlarge his business, and at once contracted to erect 
the Hess House, now the Adams House. Mr. Hess fail- 
ing, he received for his work on this building almost 
nothing, and lost all that he had saved in the previous 
four years. 

At the breaking out of the war in 1861, he enlisted 
in the " Burge Sharpshooters " as a private. Like most 
of volunteers he was little versed in the art of war, but 
by applying himself assiduously he soon acquired a 
knowledge of the tactics, and was detailed to drill his 
comrades. Before leaving for the field of action he was 
promoted to Second Lieutenant, and shortly after tak- 
ing the field to First Lieutenant. At the siege of Don- 
elson he was made Captain, and served as Provost Mar- 
shal under Gen. Dodge, of Danville, Miss, in 1862. His 
first term of service expiring in 1861:, he re-enlisted 
with his company in that year, and received the unan- 
imous vote of his company for captain for the second 
term. With his company Captain Piggott followed the 
fortunes of his regiment through all its engagements, 
from North Missouri, to Eesaca, Georgia. At the last 
named place he lost his leg, on the 14th of May, 1864, 
but continued in the service until January 21st, 1865. 



140 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Returning to Qaincy, Capt. Piggott devoted himself to 
the laudable object of educating himself. "With this ob- 
ject in view he purchased a scholarship in the Bryant 
& Stratton Commercial College, and attended two 
months. He soon after received the appointment of 
Deputy United States Assessor, but resigned this posi- 
tion and secured an appointment as messenger in the 
House of Representatives at Washington. 

Upon the election of President Grant, through his 
individual efforts, and as a reward for his services in 
the cause of the Union' he received the appointment of 
Post Master of Quincy, which position he now fills. 

An ardent republican in politics, Capt. Piggott was 
nominated by that party for Circuit Clerk in 1866, but 
the county being strongly democratic, he was defeated 
at the election. In his present position as Post Master 
Capt. Piggott has administered the affairs of the office 
with ability and success, rendering entire satisfaction 
to Democrats and Republicans alike. An industrious 
and faithful officer, and a thorough gentleman, no bet- 
ter selection for Post Master of the " Gem City " could 
have been made. 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 141 



TANNERY. 

We have one tannery in operation in our city, which 
turns out a superior quality of leather, and bids fair to 
become at no distant day one of the leading manufac- 
turing establishments of Quincy, C. A. Furche is the 
proprietor and manager. 



HOOP SKIET MANUFACTUEEKS. 

We have two firms engaged in the manufacture of 
hoop skirts. They manufacture first-class goods, and 
are meeting with splendid encouragement. 

The firms are D. Gross, and A. Hey man. 



HOESE COLLAES. 

Three firms make the manufacture of horse collars a 
specialty, and do a large business in that line. 

The firms are S. L. Taylor ; Hickey & Woodsido, and 
A. Loher. 



142 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

OR, "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



The subject of the present sketch has for a long term 
of years ranked as one of the active and enterprising 
men of Quincy. 

A. J. F. Prevost is a native of New York, but passed 
only a brief portion of his life in the Empire State, his 
parents removing with him to Illinois when he was but 
twelve years old. In 1835 he located in Brown Coun- 
ty, and commenced life as a clerk in the store of E. H. 
Hurlbut, at Mt. Sterling, although then only fourteen 
years old. At the age of twenty, he had so commended 
himself to Mr. Hurlbut by his faithful attention to bus- 
iness and strict integrity, that he was admitted as a 
partner in the establishment. He continued at this for 
a time, when he removed to Morgan County, and there 
tried farming for five years. At the expiration of that 
time, returning to Mt. Sterling, he again embraced 
merchandizing, and in connection therewith packed 
pork on a moderate scale. In 1859 Mr. Prevost re- 
moved to Quincy, and commenced pork packing on an 
extensive scale. He has continued uninterruptedly at 
the business to this day, and is at present the largest 
packer in the city, the product of his house this season 
being half of all the pork packed. 

A man of easy and affable manners, kind, and gener- 
ous almost to a fault, few citizens of Quincy enjoy the 
popularity of Mr. Prevost, and none are more eminent- 
ly entitled to it. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 143 



F* M. ^&BM£€M» E&Q*» €qmmi&siq^ Mmm^m^^T^ 



OR "MEN OF MARK 



Among the young men of Quinc}^ who have succeeded 
by their own exertions, in placing themselves on the 
road to prosperity, and who have been prominent and 
active in behalf of our thriving city, none take rank be- 
fore the subject of this sketch. 

F. II. Aldrich is a native not only of the State of Il- 
linois, but also of the County of Adams, having been 
born within four miles of the Court House, on the 5th 
of October, 1836. Ilis parents were among the first 
settlers of this section of the State, but being poor, when 
quite a youth, he found it necessary to obtain employ- 
ment, in order to support not only himself, but also to 
assist his parents. Securing a situation as clerk on one 
of the Mississippi steamers, he retained it for five years, 
giving unbounded satisfaction to his employers and the 
public. Eetiring from the river, Mr. Aldrich embarked 
in the commission business, also acting as steamboat 
agent. In this he has been eminently successful, but 
owes his success to the indomitable energy and deter- 
mination with which he has adhered to it, and the 
judgment and ability he has displayed in its manage- 
ment. Faithful to those who have entrusted business 



144 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

to his care, he has made the commission business a suc- 
cess in Quincy, after repeated failures by others, and 
DOW finds it comparatively easy to make it profitable. 
For a number of years agent of the Northern Line 
Packet Company, he has rendered them valuable ser- 
vice, and to-day his place could scarcely be filled by this 
Company, out of our entire population. Elected Alder- 
man in 1867, on his personal popularity, he filled the 
position with credit to himself and satisfaction to his 
constituents. 

Among the youngest of Quincy's business men, Mr. 
Aldrich is the equal of any of her citizens in business 
sagacity and judgment, and a brilliant future is open to 
him. 



HISTORY OF QUTNCy. 145 



BLACKSMITHS. 

We have a number of firms that are engaged in horse 
shoeing, blacksmithing, &c. They employ more or les8 
mechanics, and in most instances manufacture wagons, 
plows and agricultural implements in connection with 
their regular work. 

The firms engaged in this line of work are : — W. Ar- 
ning ; T. Beatty ; J. Bickelhaupt ; Bolinger & Grussen- 
meyerj Brinkkoeter &Benhof; Edward Cassidy; Fulls 
& Craig ; Geo. Goodapple ; L. O. Ilartung ; W. Herle- 
mann ; G. Jackson ; H. Knapheide ; Koenig & "Weiler ; 
J. Longres ; T. Molony ; H. Nolkemper • L. Otten j 
Eidder&Euth; J. Euffio ; Shefer&Ledig; L. Schmitt; 
A. Schwieters ; C. C. Slack ; E. Sturhahn ; Sweeny <& 
Co.; A. Yanfleet ; Wenzel & Keiser. 



gu:n^smiths. 



Three gunsmiths do the work in this line, principally 
repairing, but also occasionally manufacturing fine guns. 
They are :— F. Bader ; P. Eger, and F. Tobias. 
10 



146 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



€q&@^m& M. M. B^^Mm 



OR "MEN OF MARK' IN QUINGY. 



The subject of this sketch is one who rendered valua- 
ble service to the nation in the protracted struggle from 
1861 to 1865. 

Col. M. M. Bane, was born in Athens County, Ohio, 
in 1825, and commenced life a poor boy. Succeeding in 
obtaining an education, however, at the age of twenty- 
one he entered Sterling Medical College, at Columbus, 
Ohio, where he graduated in 1844, and removed to 
Payson, 111. Here he continued at his profession, and 
taking an active part in politics was elected to the Leg- 
islature of the State in 1860. 

Serving a term in the Legislature, he returned to 
Payson and resumed the practice of medicine, at which 
he continued until the breaking out of the rebellion, 
when he took an active part in raising the 50th regi- 
ment Illinois infantry, of which he was commissioned 
Colonel. This position he held for three years, partici- 
pating in the siege and capture of Forts Henry and 
Donelson, and also the battle of Shiloh, in which last 
he lost his right arm, and received a gun-shot wound 
in the left side. At this time Col. Bane was in com- 
mand of the 3d Brigade, 16th Army Corps, which com- 
mand he retained for upwards of two years. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 147 

After the battle of Shiloh the serious nature of his 
wounds necessitated his return to Quincy, where he 
remained until 1862, when he again entered the field, 
being assigned command at Corinth, Miss., and was 
active in garrisoning that post during the siege of 
Yicksburg. In 1863, he was ordered to Pulaski, Tenn., 
where he commanded his old brigade, which was en- 
gaged for some time in rebuilding the Nashville & Ala- 
bama Eailroad. His old regiment receiving a furlough 
as veterans, in 1864, he returned with them to Quincy, 
after which they again resumed the field, and partici- 
pated with Sherman in the famous march to the sea. — 
In 1864, he was assigned command at Eome, Georgia, 
which position he held until July of the same year, 
when he was appointed Assistant Special Agent of the 
Treasury, in charge of abandoned property in Georgia. 
Eesigning in May, 1865, he spent the following winter 
at Harvard Law College, and in 1866 was appointed 
United States Internal Eevenue Assessor for the 4th 
District of Illinois. This position he filled until 1869, 
when he received an appointment as United States In- 
ternal Eevenue Detective, which however he resigned 
the same year. 

It may be truly said that Col. Bane served his coun- 
try well and faithfully in the hour of her extremity, 
and in addition to his services as a gallant and able 
oflScer sacrificed much in the cause. Gifted and accom- 
plished, shrewd and sagacious, he ranks as an influen- 
tial leader of the Eepublican party in Illinois, and is 
destined in the future to prominence and distinction in 
the political arena. 



r48 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



COOPEES. 



Where there is annually such a demand for cooper- 
age as in Quincy, a large force of mechanics are neces- 
earily kept busy to supply the same. The following 
firms manufacture largely in this line, turning out flour, 
whisky and beer barrels to supply the trade, of which a 
vast quantity are used: — J. Abbe, J. Boettle, L. Breit- 
haupt, L. Detler, H. Feld, A. Hilbing, L. Hoifmann, 
Hunsaker & Beebe, P. Ihringer, M. Kaltenbach, B. H. 
Klimper, J. H. Kollmeier, H Kraemer, J. Kriegshauser, 
L. Lambur, L. Lambur, jr., G. J). Landwehr, J. G. Lee 
& Co., W. F. Lee, E. D. Lohmeyer, H. Lohmeyer, E. 
McFarland, F. Michael, H. Michael, M. Neuer, H. Noll, 
H. Eichter, J. C. Eoberts, W. Schachtsick, G. Schafer, 
J. B. Schroder, B. Schumacher, J. Stegemann, C. Stille, 
W. Stremme, G. Tieben, H. Volkeri, J. Yoots, sr., H. 
H. Wesken, G. H. Wilpers, J. Winking. 

In this line employment is given to a large number 
of hands, while as a branch of our manufactures it is 
highly important. 



BASKETS. 



W. Heinemeyer conducts the only basket factory in 
the city, but manufactures on a small scale. 



HISTORY or QUINCY. 149 



^. M. MWf^^O^M ^&BI8T. &WPT. €> B. # @. ^. E.t 



OR **MEN OF MARK IN QUINCT. 



There are none whose names apj)ear in this work 
who in so short a period have accomplished so much 
for Quincy as N. D. Munson, Assistant Superintendent 
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Eailroad. 

N. D. Munson was born in Vermont, in which state 
his father carried on an extensive iron manufacturing 
establishment, in which when not attending school, he 
passed his early days, and until he arrived at maturity. 
Resolving then to make a tour of observation he came 
west, and after posting himself as to its condition and 
prospects, returned to his native state, where he em- 
barked in the dry goods business. In the fall of 1854 
he again visited the west, this time going into the dry 
goods business at Painesville, Ohio. In 1856 he went 
to Chicago, and accepted a position as check clerk of 
the Michigan Southern R. E., which position he left to 
accept that of shipping clerk on the Michigan Central 
R. R. Leaving Chicago in 1857, he proceeded to Bur- 
lington, Iowa, where he engaged in the transfer busi- 
ness for a brief period. Returning to Chicago, he ac- 
cepted the agency of the Union Despatch Line, which 
he resigned in 1858, to accept the freight agency of the 



150 HISTORY OP QUINCY. 

C. B. & Q. E. K. at this point. In 1860 he removed to 
St. Joseph, Mo., as agent for the Hannibal & St. Joseph 
R. K. In 1861 he again returned to Chicago, and en- 
gaged in the grain business, from which he retired in 
1862 to accept the agency of the Great Western E. E. 
at Keokuk. This position he yielded in 1864, upon his 
appointment as Assistant Superintendent C. B. &. Q. 
E. E. at Quincy. 

During his residence in our city as the representative 
of this great railroad corporation, Mr. Munson has in- 
stituted reforms and improvements, whose value to 
Quincy can scarcely be estimated. 

A thorough railroad man, and understanding the 
wants of the road and its patrons, he has ever been 
prompt to supply such accommodations and facilities as 
were demanded. Few men could have rendered such 
universal satisfaction to the public, and none could have 
guarded more jealously the interests of the C. B. & Q., 
than N. D. Munson. 

Unostentatious and reserved, but pleasant and affable, 
he directs and superintends the vast interests of his 
company centered here with clock-work ease and regu- 
larity, and during his residence among us has made a 
community of friends. 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 151 



TIN AND COPPEE WOEKEES. 

Several extensive establishments for the manufacture 
of articles of tin and copper ware are in operation here, 
and employ a large number of mechanics. The work 
from these establishments is of the most superior quali- 
ty, and will compare with the work of the most famous 
eastern shops. 

The firms manufacturing in this branch are : — Com- 
stock, Castle & Co., G. J. Cottrell, H. C. Dasbach, F. 
Fischer, Grant & Fisher, II. Heeb, F. Herri tt, J. Krieg- 
shauser, W. Meyers, C. Ochsner, J, L. Pfau, sr., H. Ean- 
dall, Eearick, Eitter & Co., H. Eensch, J. P. II. Eoyston, 
C. H. Scheipering, B. Schupp, L. D. White, B. H. T. 
Wirmer, C. G. AVurst. 



SOAP, CANDLES, &c. 

One large factory supplies the demand for soap, can- 
dles &c., and manufactures extensively in this line. The 
product of this establishment is of a superior quality, 
and finds a ready sale in other markets than our own. 

F. Flachs & Co. are the proprietors of the same, and 
they are displaying an enterprise in the business which 
must in future be rewarded with handsome returns. 



152 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



WW. G. EW£^&» FmQ&EQWPS^(S ^WWQS^BY» 



OR "MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY, 



We have had occasion elsewhere to speak of several 
of the eminent men of the Quincy bar, but most of 
those were veterans in that distinguished body, who 
have passed the major portion of the three-score and 
ten allotted to this life in the traces. "We come now to 
one, w^hose career though brilliant, is not threaded with 
the silver lines of age. 

William G. Ewing is a rative of McLean county, Illi- 
nois, where he was born May 11th, 1839. He was edu- 
cated at the Illinois Wesleyan University, where he 
supported himself by teaching during vacations. Study- 
ing law with Hon. Eobert S. Williams, at Bloomington, 
he was admitted to the bar in October, 1861. Practic- 
ing law in Woodford county for a short time, in 1863 
he came to Quincy, and commenced the struggle of life 
in earnest, almost a stranger in a strange land. Studi- 
ously devoting himself to his profession, and assiduous- 
ly watching the interests of his clients, he soon com- 
mended himself to the public, and was in 1866 elected 
City Attorne3^ In August of the same year the City 
Council appointed him Superintendent of Public Schools. 
Both of these positions he filled with credit to himself 
and satisfaction to the citizens of Quincy, and m 1867, 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 153 

he was re-elected City Attorney. In 1868 he received 
another mark of public approbation, being elected 
Prosecuting Attorney for the district comprising Ad- 
ams and Hancock counties, which position he still re- 
tains. 

Although yet in the very spring-time of life, Mr. 
Ewing has already made his mark as a lawyer. A pro- 
found thinker, solid reasoner and powerful speaker he 
has in many of the celebrated cases tried at our court 
displayed legal ability that marks his star as one destin- 
ed to a worthy place in that constellation of brilliant 
minds who have made Illinois the scene of their great 
achievements, and of whom but few remain. 



154 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



MERCHANT TAILORING. 

Quincy is not behind the age in the manufacture of 
clothing, and she can boast of several model establish- 
ments devoted to this line of work. Here^are kept con- 
stantly on hand large stocks of imported and domestic 
goods, which are made up to order in a style of beauty 
and workmanship, not surpassed in the large cities of 
the east. 

The following are the firms : — James A. Parker, J. P. 
Bert, C. Heidenrich, J. Templeton, J. A. Allen, Brand 
& Lubert, Fechter & Kipp, Haerle & Notter, T. Holt- 
kamp, H. Meyer, Powers & Finlay, M. Eau, A. H. 
Schroeder, G. Worth, II. Wulfmeyer. 



PHOTOGRAPHERS. 

Several handsomely furnished and excellently man- 
aged art galleries flourish in our city, and every style 
of the photographic art, executed by skillful artists of 
whom there are a number employed in Quincy. 

These art rooms are owned and operated by the fol- 
lowing firms : — Mrs. W. A. Reed, J. T. Bradshaw, J. 
Sanftleben, Wright & Buford, D. L. Harrison, J. E. 
Harvey, L. N. Howard, and A. M. Warner. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 155 

OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY, 



Although the subject of this sketch has resided but 
briefly in Quincy, he is still thoroughly identified with 
our city and its prosperity. Prior to taking up his res- 
dence among us Col. Cahill was well known to many 
of our citizens on account of his connection with the 
16th regiment Illinois volunteers, in which was a Quin- 
cy company, and with which he served through the 
war, commanding the regiment for two years of that 
period. 

Col. James B. Cahill, was born at Utica, N. Y., July 
21st, 1838, where he remained until he arrived at the 
age of twenty, when he removed to Hancock County, 
Illinois. Here he was located, pursuing the study of 
law, when the war broke out in 1861, and he re- 
solved to give his services to the cause of the Union. 
Enlisting as a private soldier in the 16th Illinois regi- 
ment, he proceeded with it to the scene of action, and 
remained with it to the close of the war, commanding 
it the last two years of its service. While in the army 
he was promoted through the various grades of Lieu- 
tenant, Captain and Major to Lieutenant-Colonel, which 
is ample evidence of his ability and gallantry as an of- 
ficer. 



156 HISTORY OF QXJINCy. 

Settling in Warsaw at the close of the war, he re- 
mained there until President Grant's inauguration, 
when he received the appointment of Internal Eevenuo 
Collector for the 4th District of Illinois. President 
Grant could not have selected a more faithful and effi- 
cient officer, as subsequent experience has proven ; Col. 
Cahill having since assuming the position managed its 
affairs with signal ability and integrity. 



HISTORY OF QUINCT. 157 



CIGAES. 

A large business in the manufacture of cigars is done 
annuallj in Quincy, and several large establishments 
are employed in this line. The very best of tobacco is 
secured by these firms, and the quality of the cigara 
made by them is such that they meet with a ready 
sale. 

The following firms are engaged in this branch : — 
W. Kochanowski; H. Aldag; Heinz & Co.; E. Achter- 
mann ; W. A. Bader; Bernstein & Co.; II. Cohen; D. 
Ehlers; E. Hanke; J. W. Hartung; A. H. Heine; 
Heine & Hummer ; A. B. Hiltz; Jackson, Keuser & Co.; 
S. Kingsbaker & Co.; P. Mueller; F. Sleumer. 

These firms manufactured during the twelve months 
just closed 1,280,236 cigars. 



WATCH MAKERS AND JEWELERS. 

Our watchmakers and jewelers have at all times tak- 
en front rank for enterprise in their business, and while 
their stores have been at all times temples of beauty, 
they have also employed skillful and experienced jewel- 
ers to do the work of their patrons. 

The following are the firms in this branch : — W. H. 
Gage, J. W. Brown, George Mitchell, J. S. Rosenthal 
& Co., J. F. Andrews, A. Basse, jr., J. Brockschmidt, 
B. R. Hemming, F. Hofling, H. Hulsman, R. Waldin. 



158 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



€(^&* €M^ME>E& M. MQS^W@^» €Qii^J^^T €&ES&» 



OR " MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY. 



Kone of those who entered the army from Quincy 
attained greater prominence for fidelity and devotion 
to the cause they espoused, than Colonel Charles H. 
Morton. 

Col. Morton is one of the old residents of Quincy, 
coming here as early as 1835 with his parents. Arriv- 
ing at maturity he studied medicine in Quincy, and 
followed that profession until 1862, when he entered 
the army as Major of the 8tl:th regiment Illinois infant- 
ry. With this regiment he passed through all the cam- 
paigns of the Army of the Cumberland in Kentucky, 
Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia. In November, 1863 
he was captured at Chickamauga, but on his release 
again took the field, and subsequently commanded the 
84th at the capture of Atlanta, and the battle of Nash- 
ville, being promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and brevet 
Colonel for gallant and meritorious services on the last 
named occasions. Eeturning home at the close of the 
war. Col. Morton having been a zealous and active Re- 
publican, was nominated for County Clerk by that par- 
ty in 1865. The county being hopelessly democratic, 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 159 

it was not imagined that he would be elected, but at 
the polls his personal popularity overbalanced political 
odds, and he was triumphant. Serving four years he 
was renominated, and redoubled exertions were made 
to defeat him, but to no purpose, he being again the 
successful candidate. 

As County Clerk, his present position. Col. Morton 
has been industrious, faithful and efficient, which, add- 
ed to his genial and social qualities as a man, made him 
a formidable candidate before the people. 



160 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



BAKERS. 

In the manufacture of bread, crackers &c.^ we have a 
large amount of capital employed. Bread of a superior 
quality is made here, but is almost entirely for local 
consumption. In the manufacture of crackers there is 
still greater activity, and a heavy demand from abroad 
is annually supplied. The trade in this particular is 
constantly increasing, and our large establishments are 
kept busy the year round filling orders. 

The following firms are engaged in this branch of 
manufactures : — Brown Bros., Duckworth & Bugbee, 
O. W. Gallup, M. Jarrett, W. Buehrer, H. A. Althoff, 
C. Buramann, Deuerlein & Kohler, G-. Kirschner, H. H. 
Krins, J. Manegold, C. Meien, J. C. Roller, Thuer & 
Hellhake, J. B. Wheeler, A. Wichmann, II. Boekea- 
hoff. 

They employ 98 hands, and a capital of $210,000. 



BAKING POWDER. 

D. C. Clinton has recently embarked in the manufac- 
ture of baking powder, and is meeting with fair suc- 
cess. 



HISTORY OF QITTNCY. 161 



€q&. M* M. flQ^M&» 



OR, "MEN OP MARK TN QUINCY. 



Although the subject of ihis sketch resides ouside of 
QuiDcy, he has been prominently identified with its 
prosperity for the past fifteen years, and his interests 
are now so identified with those of our city that he is 
emphatically one of her citizens. 

K. K. Jones is a son of the late William Jones of 
Chicago, who at the time of his death was one of its 
wealthiest and most influential citizens. Eorn in Cha- 
tauqua County, N. Y., when but an infant his parents 
removed to BuflPalo, where they remained until he was 
ten years of age, when they went to Chicago, his father 
having first visited Chicago in 1831. 

On his thirteenth birthday he entered a printing 
oflSce, and at eighteen associating with him Dr. J. S. 
Beach, established a weekly paper called the Gem of the 
Prairie. This modest weekly which then enlightened 
the pioneers of Chicago, was the foundation upon 
which has since been built the great '' Trihune^^ of that 
city, one of the most profitable newspaper enterprises 
of the nineteenth century. 

In 1848, disposing of his interest in the " 6^e7n," Mr. 
Jones removed to Manitowoc, Wis., and began business 



162 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

on a small scale. He found this decidedly a wooden 
country — lumber, saw logs, shingles and cord wood 
being legal tender. By close attention to business, and 
hard work, he however succeeded in making it profita- 
ble, and in 1851 commenced vessel building, continuing 
at it more or less for several years. 

In 1857 Mr. Jones came to Quincy, and the following 
spring settled on his farm known as the "Pines," near 
this city. Here he continued farming successfully for 
years, having one of the best stocked, most admirably 
arranged, and most valuable farms in Illinois. In 1866 
he purchased his present suburban residence known as 
the " Wedgelands," a magnificent country place with 
a handsome and commodious dwelling and beautiful 
grounds surrounding the same. 

The past summer Col. Jones purchased the control- 
ling interest in the magnificent new Opera House here, 
and adding some improvements, has gone to work to 
make it a benefit as well as ornament to Quincy. 

Possessed of indomitable enery, andunbouneed enter- 
prise, few men are better calculated to advance a city 
than Col. K. K. Jones, and none are more ready to give 
time and money for such a purpose. Warm and im- 
pulsive, there is no medium with him. Whatever he 
advocates he gives a whole-souled, earnest support at 
all times. A friend of railroads and public enterprises 
calculated to enrich and develop a country, he has ac- 
tively encouraged them. An ardent republican, he up- 
holds the principles of that party with all his might, 
and is a z'ealous and influential member of the same. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 163 

BAGS. 

Two firms operate extensive factories for the manu- 
facture of bags in this city, and in addition to supply- 
ing the local demand, also ship largely to points up and 
down the river, and on the various railroads. An ex- 
tensive trade in this line has been built up in the last 
few years by the energy and enterprise of those engag- 
ed in the business. West of here goods in this line are 
rarely found bearing any other than Quincy brands, 
and the trade is almost entirely monopolized by this 
city. This is attributable to the fact that our manu- 
facturers have facilities for turning out better work 
and at lower rates, than any western city. 

The firms engaged in this line are : — Morphy & 
Charles, and W. M. Avise. They employ 23 hands and 
a capital of $43,000. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Below we give a list of firms engaged in the unim- 
portant branches of manufactures here, which employ 
but a small amount of capital and give employment to 
but few hands. 

White Beer — P. Antweiler, sr. 

Bell Hangers — A. Cross, and II. Eandall. 

Bleachers — C. Yerniaud, and Jo. AYoillard. 

Cabinet Makers — A. L. Proescher & Co., J. Braun, 
II. Brinkmann, F. Hellstern, II. Kanngieszer, J. Kiefer, 
J. C. Eeineker, C. Steren, C. Stevens, J. II. Timmer- 
mann & Co., P. Yolm. 

Carpet Weavers — J. Evans, C. Gehm, E. J. Green, 
E. P. Lake, K. Storck, and L. Weber. 

Wood Carvers — John Hobrecker, G. W. Althans. 



164 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Cord and Tassel Manufacturer — J. Mohr. 

Dyers and Scourers — C. Goll, H. Worden, A. T. 
Adams. 

File Cutter — W. Dienstuhl. 

Box AND Measure Factory — John Potter. 

Furnace Builder — C. Ochsner. 

Furrier — G-. J. Laage. 

Gas Fitters and Plumbers — J. E. Bunting & Co., 
P. Lally, Missouri Portable Coal Gas Co. 

Glass and Glazed Sash — Birason, Menke & Co. 

Grinders of Cutlery — J. Blocher, D. Grosch, G. 
Langgutb, B, Woll. 

Locksmiths — H. Eandall, and E. Sien. 

Patent Medicine — A. J. Kalb. 

Metal AVorker — J. A. Schneider. 

Millwrights — J. C. Hartley, and S. F. Eoss. 

Mustard Manufacturers — W. Hoffmann, and Sen- 
gen, Willi & Co. 

Picture Frames — W. Brown & Co., and J. Hass. 

Pottery — C. Brenner. 

Eailroad Excavating Machine — B. T. Stowell. 

Eegalia Manufacturer — M. W. Newton. 

EooFiNG — Smith & Hughes, and O. C. Steele. 

Saddletree Factory — Yogel & Yosmer. 

Sash Supporter Manufacturer — J. D. Simmons & Co. 

Shirt Maker — J. Graiftey. 

Silver Platers — Ottmann & Folger. 

Trunk Factory — H. Thomasmeyer. 

Turner in Wood — G. Langgutb. 

Undertakers — S. M. Bartlett, A. L. Proescher, H. 
Brinkmann, F. Duker, and H. Kanngieszer. 

Vinegar Factories — J. Wich, and Sengen, Willi & Co. 

Upholsterers — C. Haubach, C. Mewes, and H. Zim- 
mermann. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 165 



r. W. MMTM^» £>Ma&i^& MBS^mA^r» 



OR "MEN OF MARK" IN QUINCY. 



While Quincy has been the scene of operations of 
many successful merchants, it is doubtful whether any 
of them achieved prominence and success as early in 
life as the subject of this notice. 

F. W. Meyer, is a native of Germany, where he was 
born in the village of Berne, Oldenburg, in 1836. Em- 
igrating with his parents to the United States in 1848, 
he first located at Milwaukee. From there he proceed- 
ed to St. Louis in 1851, and clerked for two years. Re- 
turning to Wisconsin, he worked about his father's saw 
mill for two years, but the climate not agreeing with 
him he again went to St. Louis and obtained employ- 
ment as shipping clerk and salesman in a wholesale 
grocery house. 

In 1861 he came to Quincy, and in company with 
Louis Buddee and G. F. Meyer established the first ex- 
clusive wholesale grocery house in the city. His health 
failing he retired from this firm in 1867, and visited a 
number of the celebrated springs of Germany, when he 
returned, and associating with Louis Buddee formed 
the firm of Buddee & Meyer, which has since done an 
enormous business in groceries. The past fall this firm 
and W. S. Warfield consolidated their houses under the 



166 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

firm name of Buddee, Warfield & Meyer, and took pos- 
session of the commodious store rooms in Benneson's 
new block, which they have filled with a ponderous 
stock of groceries. They are now doing an extensive 
wholesale trade in groceries, and have a stock which in 
quantity and quality is unsurpassed in the west. 

That Mr. Meyer has by his thorough business tact 
and knowledge done much to bring this firm to its pre- 
eminent position is well known, and that it is destined 
to renewed success and prosperity under its present 
able and sao-acious management cannot be doubted. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 167 



MERCANTILE. 



WHOLESALE LEY GOODS AND NOTIONS. 

First in importance, perhaps, of all trades in the city 
is the AYholesale Dry Goods and N'otions, in which line 
we have houses that can boast of a trade surpassed by 
few establishments in the East. N'ew York has her 
Stewarts and Claflins, whose energy and enterprise 
have won for them the title of Merchant Princes of the 
Continent; but w^e, here in a city of 40,000 inhabitants, 
far removed from the seaboard, have our Lesem and 
Johnson, whose business tact and liberality bid fair to 
place them high in the list of leading merchants of 
the country. Already we have houses whose sales 
verge on to two million dollars annually. Few St. 
Louis or Chicago houses can say as much. 

Our Jobbers in Notions and Fancy Goods are meet- 
ing with equal success, and also making large annual 
sales. 

Their goods are bought in the East where men are 
kept to watch the fluctuations of the market and ad- 
vantage themselves of all opportunities for favorable 
purchases. They have equal opportunities in freights 
with Chicago and St. Louis, expenses of business, rents. 



168 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

&c., are less, and as a consequence merchants trade to 
better advantage here than in either of the above cities. 
The sales in Dry Goods and I^otions by wholesale 
houses the past year averaged 8268,333 per month, or 
$3,220,000 for the year. 

The following firms are engaged in these lines. W. H. 
Johnson & Co., S. J. Lesem Bro. & Co., Chauncy Ladd 
& Co., Byerly & Brittingham, Joseph & Nelke, Ladd & 
Talcott, J. Meyer & Co., H. Eoberts, J. Putraan. 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 169 

OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINGY, 



The subject of this sketch is one of the few who hav- 
ing witnessed Quincy's early struggles as a frontier set- 
tlement has also the privilege of viewing her as a me- 
tropolitan city, with an extensive trade, important 
manufacturing interests, and untold commercial facili- 
ties. 

Eobert Tillson was born August 12th, 1800, in Massa- 
chusetts, and at the age of twent^^-one emigrated west, 
locating at first at Hillsboro, Illinois. Eemaining there 
until 1827, he proceeded to St, Louis, and with Charles 
Holmes as a partner engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness. In 1828, loading their entire stock of goods on a 
keel boat they brought them to Quincy, and started the 
first general store ever established here, their place of 
business being a log cabin on the north-east corner of 
the public square. In 1829 they built and occupied the 
first frame building erected here. This was on the 
south-west corner of the square, the present site of Mr. 
Tillson's handsome block of stores. In 1831, Mr. Till- 
son bought out the interest of his partner, and contin- 
ued the business alone for several years. While con- 
ducting this business Mr. Tillson was also post master, 
serving for twelve years, decidedly the longest term of 



170 HISTORY or QUINCY. 

any post master in the history of Quincy. In 1838, he 
represented the 2d Ward in the City Council, and then 
as at all times was zealous in promoting the city's pros- 
perity. 

Early turning his attention to real estate, Mr. Tillson 
secured at comparatively trifling figures some of the 
most desirable property in Quincy, much of which he 
still owns. This he has improved with splendid busi- 
ness structures, and has been second to none in enter- 
2)rise and public spirit. 

One of the earliest settlers here, perhaps the best 
testimonial to his character is that in a residence of 
forty-two years his energy and integrity have stood 
unimpeached, while to-day he retains the confidence 
and esteem of the entire community. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 171 

WHOLESALE GROCEEY TEADE. 

No branch of business in Quincy has flourished more 
successfully or increased with greater rapidity than the 
Wholesale Grocery Trade. A few years only have 
elapsed since the Wholesale Grocery establishments of 
our city numbered only two, whose annual sales did 
not aggregate a quarter of a million dollars. The sta- 
tistics of this year's business shows the aggregate sales 
of Groceries by our Wholesale Houses, to have averaged 
$230,000 per month or $2,760,000 for the year just clos- 
ing; nor is it strange that the sales have become so large. 
There is no good reason why Quincy should not supply 
a large region of Western Illinois, JSTorth Missouri, 
Southern Iowa and Kansas with Groceries. Our mer- 
chants purchase their stocks in the East to as good ad- 
vantage as Chicago and St. Louis houses; freights to 
Quincy are as cheap as to either of the aboved named 
places; expenses incident to business are much smaller 
here, and our merchants are consequently able to sell 
for a smaller margin, and therefore, to the advantage 
of merchants in the interior. To merchants West of 
the Mississippi, Quincy presents many advantages as a 
Wholesale mart. The item of freight deserves atten- 
tion, and the amount saved (in that particular) to mer- 
chants in the West purchasing here instead of Chicago 
or St. Louis, is by no means inconsiderable. ISTo mark- 
et affords finer Groceries, a better variety, or more hon- 
orable and liberal dealers than Quincy. 

The following firms are engaged in this trade. Bud- 
dee, Warfield & Meyer, S. E. Soger, Eartlett & Co., Thos. 
Austin & Co., D. W. Miller, Wheeler, Andrews & Co., 
and Meyer & Kespohl. 



172 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



OR, "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



Of all the gifted men whose master intellects have 
shed an effulgent glow of greatness upon the bar of 
Quincy, none have displayed more marked ability than 
the subject of this sketch. 

Hon. Jackson Grimshaw is a native of Pennsylvania, 
having been born in Philadelphia, in 1823. There while 
attending school he devoted himself to the study of 
engineering, and at the age of seventeen was employed 
as a civil engineer on the New York & Erie Railroad. 
He continued at this for five years, when he removed 
to Pike County, Illinois, and there began the practice 
of law. Meeting with success in this, he continued to 
practice uninterruptedly in Pike County for fourteen 
years, at the expiration of which time he removed to 
Quincy, and here associated with the late Archibald 
Williams, With Judge Williams he continued as a 
partner until death dissolved the firm, and robbed our 
bar of one of its brightest ornaments. The history of 
the firm of Williams & Grimshaw during its existence, 
forms a bright page in Illinois jurisprudence, the firm 
figuring in many of the celebrated cases then before 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 173 

our State Courts, and successfully contending with the 
greatest legal talent of the country. 

While a member of this firm in 1856, Mr. Grimshaw 
was nominated by the Eepublican party for Congress from 
the Quincy district, but the democracy being in the 
ascendant he met with defeat. 

Since then he has been urged at various times for ex- 
alted political position, but has steadily declined to en- 
ter the political arena as a candidate. On the death of 
Judge Williams he continued the practice of law, asso- 
ciating with him Mr. John H. Williams, son of his former 
partner. In 1865, being appointed Collector of Internal 
Bevenue for the 4th district of Illinois by President 
Lincoln, he partially retired from the practice of law, 
but on the expiration of his term of office in 1869, again 
resumed the practice of the same. 

Full of life and energy, possessed of ripe judgment 
and rare ability. Col. Grimshaw is just in the noon-day 
of success at the bar, with years of usefulness and emi- 
nence before him. A man of warm impulses and genial 
manners, his friends are to be found in every section of 
the State, while in Quincy none outrank him in public 
esteem. 



174 HISTORY OF QUINOY. 



WHOLESALE HARDWARE AND IRON. 

So constant has been the growth of manufactures in 
the West, and so increasing is the demand for material, 
tools, implements and cutlery, that it has required no 
little etfort upon the part of our Hardware and Iron 
Merchants to keep pace with the onward march of 
trade, yet, notwithstanding all this our Jobbers and 
Dealers have been found equal to the emergency, and 
their supplies of Hardware and Iron have been, at all 
times, equal to the heavy demand. Not only have 
they carried the requisite quantity, but their stocks 
have been so satisfactory and advantageous to interior 
merchants that trade in this line has marked a steady 
increase, showing that the inducements offered here 
have had the desired result of attracting business to 
this mart. St. Louis and Chicago fiind it up hill work 
to compete with the enterprising dealers of Quincy for 
the trade of Missouri and the country adjacent to the 
Mississippi river, above and below this point. This 
year will undoubtedly mark a new era in the Hardware 
and Iron business, as trade has increased to such dimen- 
sions that competition is crowding in, new houses are 
being established, enterprise is more active, and goods 
are being marked lower and lower to prepare for the 
opening year. Come what may the year 1870 promises 
to be an active one in this department of business and 
our merchaats are straining their energies for the work. 
The sales for the year just closed foot up a handsome 
total, but another year, we doubt not, will show a 
marked advance, 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 175 

Sales per month average $64,000 or $768,000 for the 
year. The firms are Bertschinger & Steinewedell, 
Gardner & Eobertson, Geo. Ant. Eoberts, J. T. Lemley, 
S. Jonas, G. J. Cottrell, and H. & J. H. Tenk. 



WHOLESALE DEUGS. 

The supply of drugs, medicines &c., carried by the 
jobbers of Quincy is unequaled in quantity and quality 
by anj^ city of its size in the Union, and we do not hes- 
itate to say that we have houses whose stocks equal 
the most extensive establishments of Chicago or St. 
Louis. Their stocks are not only large, but are justified 
by the demand, and the amount of goods shipped from 
this market indicates a healthy and growing trade. — 
Our jobbers possess the energy, enterprise and capital 
to win success, and druggists and dealers in Illinois, 
Missouri and Iowa w^ho have not tried this market will 
do well to give this city a call and satisfy themselves of 
the many advantages it oifers over other points. We 
deem it unnecessary to further urge the claims of Quin- 
cy drug houses to the trade adjacent and west of here, 
as we are well satisfied that the quality of their goods, 
and the prices at which they sell, are the advertising 
cards upon which they principally rely for patronage. 
The sales of drugs during the year averaged $108,750 
per month, and aggregate $1,305,000 for the year. 

The following are the firms engaged in the trade : — 
Montgomery & Co., Eogers & Malone, Brink & Thiene- 
man, W. H. Alexander & Co., Schultheis Bros., and 
Geo. A. Miller. 



176 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

siMBQ SQMzUEEb Lsaui^Q MmsQma^T» 

OR "MEN OF ^IARK" IN QLTINCY. 



Of the many German citizens who have achieved suc- 
cess and accumulated wealth by their industry and en- 
ergy in Quincy, none contributed more largely to ad- 
vance the city in commerce, wealth and power than 
Aldo Sommer, Esq., now of the extensive wholesale 
drug house of Montgomery & Co. 

Emigrating to this country in 1849, then only eight- 
een years of age, after considerable experience in busi- 
ness elsewhere, he came to Quincy in 1857, and engag- 
ed in the drug business. He commenced as one of the 
firm of F. Flachs & Co., and in 1860 succeeded to the 
exclusive control of the business. In 1864, in connec- 
tion with Wm. Metz, he established the firm of Sommer 
& Metz, and opened an extensive wholesale and retail 
drug house. Selling out this business in 1869, the same 
year he entered the firm of Montgomery & Co., whole- 
sale druggists, as a partner. This firm carries a stock 
equal in quantity and quality to any St. Louis or Chi- 
cago houses, and does an extensive business. Besides 
his experience in the drug business Mr. Sommer has 
been engaged in the nursery business since 1862, as one 
of the firm of Hargis & Sommer. He has also contrib- 
uted largely to the material wealth and beauty of Quin- 
cy by erecting many handsome business structures and 
comfortable residences, and has in every sense of the 
word proven a valuable and enterprising citizen. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 177 



WHOLESALE BOOTS AND SHOES. 

The trade in boots and shoes at this point is extensive, 
and large stocks are sold and shipped annually. Our 
boot and shoe establishments are of the very first order, 
carrying large amounts of goods, and conducted by 
men whom a lifetime's experience has thoroughly post- 
ed in the trade. Energetic, enterprising and liberal, we 
venture nothing in saying that they sell at as low rates 
as any merchants in the west. Interior merchants are 
fast realizing the advantage of supplying themselves 
from this mart, and a comparison of Quincy's bills with 
those of Chicago or St. Louis, will convince the most 
skeptical that we hold over both the above cities as a 
base of supply for Western Illinois, North Missouri, 
Southern Iowa and Kansas, It requires little consider- 
ation to discover the advantages we possess in freights, 
rents, expenses of business, &c., over these points. 

Sales of boots and shoes for 1869, averaged $80,000 
per month, or $960,000 for the year. The firms engag- 
ed in this trade are : — Kingsbury Bros., A. S. Coburn, 
Chas. Brown, jr., & Co., F. Wilms, Wentworth & Co., 
Eosenheim & Stern, and I. Benjamin. 

12 



178 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



1^, B* Ml^QBBWBT» &m^Bi^fG Mssama^r. 



IN QUINCY. 



Prominent among those who early embarked in the 
wholesale trade in Quincy, and labored to establish it 
upon a permanent basis, stands the subject of this 
sketch. 

Born in Massachusetts, at the age of twenty-one Mr. 
Kingsbury migrated west and located in Quincy. — 
Here he entered the boot and shoe house of E. K. Stone, 
and at the expiration of three years was admitted as a 
member of the firm. The house was then doing a 
wholesale and retail business in boots and shoes, and in 
1864, Mr. Kingsbury purchasing the interest of his 
partner, established the firm of Kingsbury Bros. Con- 
tinuing at the old business and old stand until 1865, 
this firm then sold out, and locating in new quarters, 
on the west side of the square, opened an exclusive 
wholesale boot and shoe house. The first exclusive 
wholesale house in this line established in Quincy, it has 
been instrumental in building up the jobbing trade of 
our city, and has met with flattering success. 

In addition to being one of the most thorough of our 
business men, Mr. Kingsbury is also noted for his en- 
terj)rise and liberality, which with his long experience 
in western trade are sure guarantees of a successful ca- 
reer in the department in which he is engaged. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 179 



BOOKS AND STATIONEEY. 

The progress of civilization and the advancement of 
people in arts and sciences, bring with them necessarily 
a demand for books, papers, and periodicals, the great 
sources of information and the implements that perform 
a noble work in the culture of the human mind. It has 
been well said that the only solution to the social prob- 
lem, is universal enlightenment, and this being the case, 
it speaks volumes for the character of our population to 
state that our numerous book and stationery houses find 
a sustaining: element in the west "where the sun never 
rises." The demand for books and stationery is con- 
stant and increasing, but the supply in quantity, quali- 
ty and variety has been equally large. We have a bind- 
ery turning out work equal in style and finish to any 
establishment in the country. The sales of books and 
stationery amount to $19,070 per month, or $228,840 
per year. 

Dayton & Arthur, O. W. Brooker, J. E. Skinner, 
Herald Printing Co., F. E. Doyen, G. A.Miller, E.Long, 
Woodruff & Pfeiffer, and Benning k Oenning are en- 
gaged in this trade. 



180 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



S, JP. B^MWLETWb ^maBii^Q ti£Esam^^^» 



OR, " MEN OF MARK 



The subject of this sketch, although one of the young- 
est of our business men, ranks as one of the shrewdest 
and most sagacious merchants of Quincy, on account of 
his thorough business tact, untiring energy and wonder- 
ful enterprise. 

S. P. Bartlett is a native of Quincy, being born here 
in 1840. At an early age his business career began, 
and at seventeen we find him clerking in the store of 
J. M. Smith. Subsequently he was also employed in 
the same capacity at different periods by James Lowe, 
S. Lesem, and S. A. Brittingham. In 1861, tiring of 
working for others, he resolved to embark for himself, 
and opened a warehouse for the purchase and sale of 
grain. Finding this rather discouraging he speedily 
retired from the field, doing very little until 1865, when 
he was employed in the Provost Marshal's ojffice. In 
1866 he again resumed business for himself, buying out 
the grocery house of S. A. Brittingham, on Hampshire 
street. Prom that time to this success has attended 
him in every form, and his house has prospered to a 
degree almost unprecedented. The past year, so vast- 
ly had his business increased, that he found it necessary 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 181 

to obtain more commodious quarters, and with this ob- 
ject in view he took possession last August of the mag- 
nificent store erected by Mr. McBane, on Hampshire 
street, between Third and Fourth. Here, associating 
with him Walter N. Colburn, he opened the extensive 
house of Bartlett & Co., which has since achieved a rep- 
utation for enterprise and activity, seldom if ever enjoy- 
ed by any Quincy firm. 

Both men of thorough business qualifications and 
sterling integrity, with the enterprise for which they 
are proverbial, the firm of Bartlett & Co. is destined to 
a long term of uninterrupted prosperity. 



182 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



WHOLESALE HATS AND CAPS. 

In the hat and cap trade we have both dealers and 
manufacturers with stocks unsurpassed by any city. — 
Furs, gloves and umbrellas are embraced in this line, 
and fine stocks are supplied to the city and country 
trade, and at the very lowest rates. Merchants in this 
department have equal advantages with others, and do 
a handsome business. 

Sales amount to $27,500 per month, or $330,000 for 
the year. Wholesale firms are : — G-. J. Laage, Wood 
Bros., and Reis Bros. 



WHOLESALE MILLINERY. 

Reports of sales in millinery goods show an aggregate 
of $128,000 for the year. Large stocks in this line are 
held by dealers here, and interior dealers consult their 
interests by patronizing them. 

The following firms are engaged in this line of busi- 
ness: — W. C. Gallaway & Co., J. Merrilies, and M. 
Jackson. 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 183 

OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



While Qiiincy has had many successful hotel keepers, 
and has supplied one or two large cities with their 
most popular landlords, she has never had one w^ho 
combined in a greater degree the elements for a suc- 
cessful landlord than the subject of this brief sketch. 

Louis Miller, present proprietor of the famous Tre- 
mont House in this city, is a native of Holland, from 
whence he emigrated in 1853 to America, locating at 
St. Charles, Mo., and establishing a house for the sale 
of millinery goods. Attending closely to business, and 
disj^laying a liberal degree of enterprise, he soon suc- 
ceeded in building up a fine trade, which he however 
gave up in 1860, in order to open on a more extensive 
scale in Quincy. Here his success was more flattering 
than ever, and he continued prosperously in his old 
business until 1864, when he purchased the furniture 
and secured a lease of the Tremont House. 

Since taking possession of this hotel, Mr. Miller has 
succeeded by his enterprise and energy in making it 
one of the first houses in the west. Aiming at all times 
to accommodate and please, his house is made a home 
of luxury and ease for the traveling public, and few ho- 
tel men enjoy as enviable a reputation, or can count as 
many friends as Louis Miller. At present the " Tre- 
mont " is one of the famous institutions of our State, 
made so by his genial manners, untiring energy and 
unbounded enterprise. 



184 HISTORY OF QUINCT. 



WHOLESALE CHINA, GLASS, &c. 

In this, as in other departments of business, we have 
live, active and thorough business men. One or two 
import directly from Europe, and every variety of goods 
known to their line of trade can be purchased here 
cheaper than in Chicago. In fact Chicago and St. Louis 
bills are discounted 5 per cent., and if interior mer- 
chants ask for more liberal traders than these they are 
difficult to please. Sales per month, $11,500, aggregate 
per year, $138,000. 

The firms in this line are: — O. B. Barton, Gerry & 
Macfall, H. Eidder & Co., II. Eensch, C. Goodman & 
Bro., and A Gatchell. 



AGEICULTUEAL IMPLEMENTS. 

In addition to manufacturing agricultural imple- 
ments on a large scale, we have several firms here who 
sell extensively machines and implements manufactured 
elsewhere. These firms are T. Butterworth, Pope & 
Baldwin, J. M. Smith, and G. W. Moulton & Co. 

There sales for 1869 amounted to $430,000. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 185 

OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch diiriDg his residence in 
Quincy has passed through an uninterrupted career of 
success in business. 

William B. Andrews is a native of Connecticut, where 
he was born in 1830. At the age of twenty-one he em- 
igrated to California, and there engaged in the mercan- 
tile and mining business. After three years experience 
on the Pacific slope he returned to his native State in 
1855, and soon after entered the wholesale dry goods 
house of Geo. Bliss & Co., New York City, as a sales- 
man. Remaining with this firm two years, at the ex- 
piration of that time he embarked in the dry goods 
business for himself, at his old home, Winstead, Conn. 
Here he continued until 1863, when he came to Quincy, 
and associating with him Samuel Bruckman, establish- 
ed the extensive dry goods house which was managed 
and conducted with flattering succees by the firm of 
Bruckman & Andrews. 

This firm closing out its business in the spring of 
1866, in the following July Mr. Andrews associating 
with him Mr. J. F. Wheeler, under the firm name of 
Wheeler & Andrews, engaged extensively in the whole- 



186 • HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Bale and retail grocery business. The past year they 
took in a third partner in the person of Ed E. Manson, 
and the present stj^le of the firm is Wheeler, Andrews 
& Co. Since its establishment this house has prosper- 
ed to an extent far beyond the anticipations of the 
firm, and its business has annually met with a large 
increase. 

Much of this prosperity is due to Mr. Andrews, who 
in addition to being one of our shrewdest and most ex- 
perienced business men, has a reputation of buying to 
rare advantage. Already doing a heavy jobbing bus- 
iness, the firm is destined in this respect to rank at an 
early day with the exclusive wholesale houses of Quin- 
cy in the amount of goods sold. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 187 



WHOLESALE CLOTHINa. 

We have at this point some of the most extensive 
clothing houses in the west, and have merchants who 
have been engaged in the business hero for a score of 
years. Liberal and active business men, they have met 
with merited success, and carry immense stocks with 
which to supply the trade. Their goods are of the 
best quality and sold at living prices. Sales in clothing 
for 1869 averaged $31,000 per month, and aggregate 
$372,000. 

The following firms are engaged in this department 
of trade : — J. D. Levy, Bro. & Co., Meyer & Whitehead, 
M. Jacobs, J. Parkhurst, Powers & Finlay, D. Hermann, 
M. Eau, and Eosenheim & Stern. 



WHOLESALE CARPETS. 

Two firms make carpets a specialty, and keep con- 
stantly on hand large stocks in this line. All grades of 
goods known to the trade are sold by these houses, and 
they offer inducementc in prices not afforded by Chica- 
go or St. Louis. 

These firms are W. H. Johnson & Co., and Bert & 
Hill. Their sales for 1869 aggregated $250,000. 



1^8 RISTORY OF QUINCY. 



MMMET ^&&E^t &Msm£^G M^j^w^s&t^sbs» 



OR, "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



While this work contains a brief record of the achieve- 
ments of many of our most valuable and enterprising 
citizens, none whose names are mentioned take prece- 
dence for public spirit and enterprise before Henry Al- 
len, Esq. 

A native of the District of Columbia, when only 
twenty-two years old he embarked in the grocery trade 
in Quincy, locating in what was then known as the 
Kelly Building, the same now occupied by Dimock & 
Hilborn, corner 5th and Maine streets. Here he con- 
tinued to do an extensive business, and in 1849 took in 
as a partner James T. Baker, the firm name then being 
Allen & Baker. In the fall of 1852, desiring to embark 
in a business less confining, Mr. Allen sold his interest 
to Mr. Baker, and engaged in purchasing, selling and 
shipping ha}^, grain &c. The same year in connection 
with Joseph G. Eowland and Charles Howland, he 
built the extensive planing mill, and sash and door fac- 
tory corner 9th and Hampshire streets. This he con- 
tinued to run as the senior and managing partner, until 
1857, when the crisis putting a stop to improvements, 
he sold out his interest, and the following year associat- 
ed with Messrs. H. Y. Sullivan and T. Owens, in the 
purchase of the City Flouring Mills. Subsequently he 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 189 

bought out both his partners, and in 1866 sold the mill 
to Mr. Henry Whitmore of St. Louis. In 1867-8 he 
engaged successfully in pork packing, and in the latter 
year, with Mr. Whyers, an old employee and experi- 
enced miller, purchased the Centre Mills, which they 
enlarged and refitted, and where they are now actively 
engaged in the manufacture of flour. In 1867-8 Mr. 
Allen also engaged in pork packing with H. S. Osborn, 
Esq., but since then has confined his operations to flour. 

In enterprises of a public character Mr. Allen has 
been among the foremost of our leading citizens, taking 
an active part in the building of the Opera House, 
Adams County Fair Grounds and Skating Eink and 
also in the establishment of the Quincy & St. Louis 
Packet Company, &c. To all of these he contributed 
liberally from his means, while at the same time he has 
also aided munificently the educational and religious 
interests of Quincy. 

Agreeable and unassuming in his manners, straight- 
forward and upright in business, and a polished and 
christian gentleman, Mr. Allen is esteemed and admired 
by the entire community. 



190 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



COAL. 

It requires but a glance at our enormous and exten- 
sive manufactories to ascertain that a large amount of 
coal is annually consumed here. This is brought here 
by the railroads entering the city from adjoining coun- 
ties, and is furnished in abundance at reasonable rates. 

The following firms supply the city : — Morris & 
Burns, J. B. Parish, and F. Kreismann. Their aggre- 
gate sales in 1869 amounted to ^319,560.00. 



COAL OIL. 



H. A. Williamson is the only exclusive wholesale deal- 
er in coal oil, of which he sells annually a large amount, 



FISH MAEKETS. 

Fresh fish from the Mississippi Eiver and tributary 
streams is supplied the year round by the following 
dealers : — G. II. Ilellman, Jenks & Curtis, J. Piatt & 
Bro., Scott & Dervine, and Scott, Jenks & Co. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



19l 



€@&. ^O&MPM Q. M^W&^^B» 



OR "MEN OF MARK' IN QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch in a residence of nearly 
twenty-four years in Quincy, has been largely instru- 
mental in promoting its advancements. 

Joseph G-. Eowland was born in Wilmington, Dela- 
ware, in 1830. After receiving his education at Phila- 
delphia, and when only sixteen years of age he migrat- 
ed to Quincy, locating here in 1846. Studying medicine, 
he graduated in 1852, but did not devote himself to the 
profession, preferring to engage in manufacturing. 

In 1854, in connection with Henry Allen and the late 
Chas. Howland, sr., he built the planing mill on Ninth 
and Hampshire streets, but in 1856 engaged in the real 
estate business, at which he continued until the break- 
ing out of the w^ar. 

On the 20th of April, 1861, he enlisted in the three 
months service, and was commissioned Adjutant of the 
10th regiment Illinois infantry. Re-enlisting for three 
years in July, 1861, he continued as adjutant of his 
regiment until February, 1862, when he was promoted 
to the position of Major. Tendering his resignation in 
June of the same year, pending its acceptance he was 



192 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, but did not remain in 
the service. 

Eeturning to Quincy and resuming business, in 1868 
he was elected to the City Council from the 6th Ward, 
and while in that body was indefatigable in his efforts 
to relieve the city from its financial embarassments and 
to introduce reforms in the municipal government. It 
is due to him to say that the city never had a more 
faithful, energetic and competent officer. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 193 



FLOUE AND FEED. 



The following firms are engaged in the flour and feed 
business, and have commodious warehouses, where they 
keep a constant supply for the trade : — J. W. Bass, jr., 
& Co., E. C. Coles, Dennis & Bro., John G. Kaylor, 
Dix & Ehrgott, W. II. Doyle, J. G. Lee & Co., James 
Purnell, O. Thorn, and W. Wrightmire. 



FOEWAEDmG & COMMISSION. 

We have in our city two extensive commission hous- 
es, managed by reliable and honorable business men, 
who annually do a large business in forwarding and 
selling goods shipped by river and rail. 

These firms are F. II. Aldrich, and Schermerhorn & 
Bro. 



WHOLESALE FUENITUEE. 

Two firms do an extensive business in this line, ship- 
ping furniture to all points west of the Mississippi river, 
and also into the interior of Illinois. These firms keep 
constantly in their mammoth ware rooms large stocks 
of furniture, manufactured in the most workmanlike 
manner, and after the most approved style. They sell 
cheaper than eastern houses, and hence have built up 
a fine trade. These firms are : — Spiegel, Thoms & Co., 
and F. W. Jansen & Son. Their sales for 1869 amount- 
ed to $270,000. 

13 



194 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Bii'Ml^ML E. &E&E'm» mm^Bi^Q M^maM^^^r, 

OR, " MEN OF MARK " IN QUINCY. 



Among the merchants of Quincy who have achieved 
success in business, none have hibored more persistent- 
ly and with greater determination than Samuel E. Se- 
ger, at present a leading wholesale grocer. 

A native of New York, Mr. Seger at an early age de- 
termined to try his fortunes with the young and grow- 
ing west. Arriving in Quincj^ in 1852, he at once ob- 
tained emploj^ment in a grocery house as clerk, and 
continued there until 1857, when with a small stock he 
embarked in the retail grocery trade. Attentive to 
business, prudent and industrious, it was not strange 
that prosperity favored him, and we soon find him in 
one of the largest houses of the city, with a mammoth 
stock of groceries, and an extensive wholesale and re- 
tail trade. This trade he retains to-day, and after a 
long business career in Quincy, ranks second to none of 
her citizens as a man of integrity and honor. 

Also one of the most active and zealous of our citi- 
zens in organizing and perfecting the fire department 
of Quincy, he devoted time, money and labor lavishly 
to that laudable work. 

Quiet and retired in his manners, of easy and afi^able 
address, Mr. Seger is thoroughly a business m.an, and 
finds himself in his proper element directing and man- 
aging the aifairs of his extensive grocery house. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 195 



GEAIN. 

The purchase and shipment of grain is a business 
that constantly employs a large amount of capital in 
Quincy. The following firms are engaged in this line : 
J. Q. Adams & Co., F. Bernbrock, Eernbrock & Eeichl, 
J. Burns, jr., C. Kathmann & Co., E. Hutmacher, J. G. 
Lee & Co., Scherraerhorn & Bro., and J. M. Wilson. 



HIDES, FUES, WOOL, &c. 

A number of enterprising firms are engaged here in 
the purchase of hides, furs, and wool, which are receiv- 
ed and shipped in large quantities annually. In this 
line a great deal of enterprise has been displayed in the 
past few yearsj and the trade has grown to be an im- 
portant item in our commerce. 

The firms are : — Gurley, Pratt & Collins, Z. Hirsch 
& Co., Z. Hirsch, jr., J. Jonas & Co., C. A. Furche, E. 
Kling, Schott & Bro., H. Steinkamp, H. Swimmer, and 
G. Yassen. 



WHOLESALE LEATHER 

Five establishments deal extensively in leather, sup- 
plying the local trade and also shipping to points in the 
interior of Illinois and west of the Mississippi. The 
firms are: S. L. Taylor, Boon & Tillson, Schott & Bro., 
C. Sellner, and A. Seyd. 



196 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



^E^. B. M. Fl^E^Timt, 



IN QUINCY. 



Of those who entered the army during the late war, 
none figured more prominently and usefully in its early 
stages than Gen. B. M. Prentiss, of this city, of whom 
we are about to write. 

Gen. Prentiss was born in Wood County, Virginia, 
in 1819. Migrating west from there in 1836, he located 
in Marion Co. Mo., and engaged in the manufacture of 
cordage. In the spring of 1841 he came to Quincy and 
established himself in the same business, being associat- 
ed with his father. At this he continued until 1847, 
when he commenced the study of law, studying for five 
years. He did not practice the profession until the 
close of the late war. 

During the Mormon excitement in this section he 
was in the service of the State, and at the opening of 
the Mexican war was appointed Adjutant of the lament- 
ed Hardin's regiment raised here, and called the 1st 
Illinois infantry. With this regiment he served through 
the entire war, returning to Quincy at its close. In 
April, 1861, upon ihe first call of President Lincoln for 
75,000 troops, Gen. Prentiss at once raised a company, 
was elected Captain, and soon after appointed Colonel 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 197 

of the 10th Illinois infantry, and ordered to Cairo. The 
latter point was then the rendezvous for most of the 
western troops, and he was placed in command of the 
post. From there he was ordered by Gen. Fremont to 
Jefferson City, Mo., to take command of all north and 
central Missouri. Subsequently being ordered to the 
field by Gen. Halleck, he proceeded to Pittsburg Land- 
ing, where he arrived April 1st, and organized and took 
command of the Sixth Division. On the morning of 
the 6th his command was attacked by a superior force 
of the enemy, against which he contended the entire 
day, being overwhelmed and captured in the evening. 
He remained a prisoner for six months, during which 
time he was confined at Talledega, Selma, Madison and 
Libby prisons. An exchange of prisoners being effect- 
ed he visited Washington, and was granted a leave of 
thirty days, but before its expiration was ordered to 
sit on the court-martial in the case of Gen. Fitz John 
Porter. At the close of this trial he was ordered to 
report to Gen Grant at Milliken's Bend, by whom he 
was assigned the command of the eastern district of 
Arkansas, with headquarters at Helena. Here on the 
4th of July, 1863, he commanded the Union forces in 
the battle of Helena, gaining a decided victory over the 
enemy, whose forces were equal to four times his num- 
ber. Previous to this he had been promoted for gal- 
lantry at Shiloh, and commissioned Major General. — 
After the battle of Helena, he however deemed it his 
duty to resign and return home to his family. Eeturn- 
ing here he commenced to practice law, and has devot- 
ed himself to that profession ever since. On the 1st of 
April, 1869 he was appointed by President Grant 



198 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Peusion Agent for the 4th District of Ilhiois, which 
position he fills at present. Although at all times 
evincing a generous public spirit, and manifesting an 
active interest in Quincy's prosperity, he has in the 
past year redoubled his exertions to promote her inter- 
ests, having been untiring in his support of the new 
railroad projects started here. An influential Eepub- 
lican, he has been frequently urged for high political 
honors by his party, but has of late declined to enter 
the political arena as a candidate, preferring to devote 
himself to his profession, in which he has met with 
merited success. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 199 



WHOLESALE LIQUOTiS. 

The liquor trade of Quincy is carried on with marked 
enterprise and energy, and no department of our whole- 
sale business is conducted by more liberal and responsi- 
ble dealers. Their stores are model establishments, 
filled with the best imported and domestic wines and 
liquors, and most of those engaged in this branch of 
trade being thoroughly versed in its wants, are enabled, 
to guarantee satisfaction. This trade has grown to 
magnificent proportions of late, and the demand upon 
our merchants still increases. 

The following firms are engaged in this business: — 
Adamy & Levi, Ira N. Malin & Son, D. W. Miller, H. 
Leifhelm, John Meyer & Co., E. W. Nance & Co., John 
Altmix & Bro., S. Berger & Co., F. W. Hackman, W. 
Karp, W. & A. Kolker, Sengen, Willi & Co., E. Stockle 
& Co., Edward Cohn & Co. 



MUSICAL GOODS. 

Musical goods of every description are supplied here 
as low as they can be purchased in the east. Pianos, 
melodeons, organs, violins, guitars, &c., also sheet and 
bound music are kept constantl}^ on hand by our deal- 
ers, who are enterprising and liberal merchants. 

The firms are: Woodruff & PfeifFer, E. Long, E. E. 
Letton, and A. Sumner. 



200 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

OR "MEN OF mark" IN Q U I N G Y. 



Ill awarding credit to whom it is due, Captain New- 
ton Flagg deserves a prominent place in this work, he 
having for years been identified with Qiiincy's prosper- 
ity, and by his time and talents, contributed largely to 
her progress. 

Capt. Flagg is a native of Connecticut., having been 
born at Hartford in that State. He came to Quincy 
while yet in his teens, and entered the store of Levi 
Wells as a clerk. Subsequently he also clerked for J. 
T. Holmes, G. B. Dimock, and W. D. Skillman. In 1842 
he purchased the book and stationery establishment of 
the latter, and continued in that business up to 1850, 
when he disposed of the same to J. E. Dayton. The 
same year, associating with Charles A. Savage, and I. 
O. Woodruff, he established the first bank in Quincy. 
under the firm name of Flagg & Savage. This bank con- 
tinued in operation for many years. With Mr. Savage 
he built in 1858 the substantial and imposing block of 
buildings on the corner of Maine and Fifth streets, one 
of the finest business structures in the city. 

At the breaking out of the war in 1861, Capt. Flagg 
was appointed Quarter Master of the post of Quincy, 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 201 

which position he held until its close, discharging its 
responsible duties with signal ability. 

In November 1866, he was appointed agent and treas- 
urer of the Quincy Eailroad Bridge Company, and in 
that position rendered valuable service in purchasing 
suj^plies and supervising the voluminous affairs of the 
company, while the grand structure that now spans the 
river at this point was being built. On the completion 
of the bridge he closed up the affairs of the Company, 
having paid out as agent of the Company in less than 
two years $1,500,000. 

In his career as a business man and financier, Capt. 
Flagg has at all times had the confidence and esteem 
of the entire community. A generous friend of all en- 
terprises of an educational, charitable, and commercial 
character, he has given substantial evidence of his 
friendship, and has been foremost among those to whom 
Quincy is indebted for her present jire-eminence. 



202 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



LUMBER, SHINGLES, LATH, &c. 

The amount of lumber annually sold in Quincy is 
simply enormous, and instead of falling otf is constant- 
ly on the increase. The past year, too, a decided ad- 
vantage has been gained in the matter of shipping west. 
An extensive lumber yard has been established on the 
west bank of the river by Messrs. Bradford, McCoy & 
Co., and thus the toll by bridge or ferry over the Mis- 
sissippi for lumber going west is avoided, and saved to 
the purchaser. Another advantage that we have as a 
lumber market is that several of our dealers have mills 
in the lumber regions of Wisconsin, and manufacture 
their own lumber, thus being enabled to sell at the 
very lowest rates. 

The following firms are engaged in this line : — Brad- 
ford, McCoy & Co., D. D. Meriam & Son, R. MeComb, 
Meisser & Dickhut, Geo. Neeves & Son, YanDoorn, Bro. 
& Co., James Arthur & Co., J. C. Blanchard & Co., H. 
H. Merten. 

The aggregate sales of these firms for the year 1869 
were— lumber 23,000,000 feet, shingles 13,000,000, and 
lath 7,000,000. 



PAINTS, OILS AND GLASS. 

This trade is supplied by two enterprising firms, who 
keep constantly on hand large stocks of the finest and 
best goods sold. The firms are Letton & Yiberts and 
D. E. Lynds. 



HISTORY OF QUINCy. 203 



PAPER— FLAT, PRINT, &c. 

The Herald Printing Company has an extensive 
warehouse, where a fall stock of paper for newspaper 
andjoh printing offices is kept constantly on hand. 
This establishment supplies a large number of interior 
and western towns with goods in this line, and does an 
extensive trade. 



SALT— WHOLESALE. 

Large quantities of salt are annually consumed here, 
and it is also sold and shipped in abundance. The fol- 
lowing firms supply the wholesale trade — H. A. Wil- 
liamson, Wm. Morris & Co., and Gurley, Pratt & Co. 



SEEDS— WHOLESALE. 

A supply of all kinds of field and garden seeds is at 
all times kept in our city and they are of the purest and 
best sold. Pope & Baldwin and W. Eber supply the 
trade in this line. 



SEWING MACHINES. 

Five sewing machine agencies are established in our 
city, and most of them have model warerooms in which 
to exhibit and dispose of goods. A flourishing trade is 
carried on by most of them in supplying Quincy and 
the surrounding country. The firms are: M. W. New- 
ton, A. Sumner, D. Snitjer, R. E. Letton, andE. J. Elgin. 



204: HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



; M&Q,» 



OR "MEN OF mark' IN QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch has for years been one of 
the most active and enterprising citizens of Quincy. 

George W. Burns was born in Maine in 1825, and 
migrated west with his father in 1834, settling in Quin- 
cy. From 183-4 to 1849 he engaged in various occupa- 
tions to earn a livelihood, a large portion of the time 
laboring at the hardest work. In the latter year, when 
the California gold fever spread to this section, he with 
many others proceeded to the new Eldorado, hoping of 
course to accumulate wealth with greater speed than 
was possible in the then diminutive town of Quincy. 

Eemaining but one year in the mines, he returned to 
Payson, in this county, where his father resided, and 
engaged in the mercantile business. In 1854, he again 
took up his residence in Quincy, and associated with 
Messrs. Bagby & Wood in building the famous Castle 
Mills. Here he continued until 1862, when being ap- 
pointed paymaster in the army with the rank of Major, 
he sold his interest in the mill and started South. — 
While filling the duties of his position as paymaster in 
1864, he was captured on Eed Eiver, Texas, and held 
prisoner for three months. When paroled he returned 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 205 

to Quincy, and has since engaged in many enterprises, 
vastly beneficial to our city. He was president of the 
association that erected the magnificent new Opera 
House, and is at present secretary and treasurer of the 
Quincy Coal Compan3^. 

A generous and genial gentleman, his business activ- 
ity and integrity are only equalled by his personal pop- 
ularity. 



206 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



TINNERS' STOCK. 

The followiDg firms supply the demand for stock 
used by tinners in the manufacture of their wares : — 
Comstock, Castle & Co., G. J. Cottrell, L. D. White, and 
Eearick & Rensch. 



TOBACCO LEAF. 

One establishment is devoted to the sale of leaf to- 
bacco for the manufacture of cigars. Mr. W. Kochan- 
owski is the author of this enterprise, and is doing 
handsomely at it. 



WHOLESALE TOBACCO, CIGARS, &c. 

An extensive wholesale trade is carried on by our 
manufacturers and dealers in cigars, tobacco, &c.: — S. 
Kingsbaker & Co., W. Kochanowski, E. Hanke, A. M. 
Claflin, and Jackson, Keuser & Co. 



WALL PAPER AND SHADES. 

In this lino there has been decided enterprise and the 
stocks held by dealers are both large and varied. All 
goods usually kept by first class houses in this line can 
be had here, and at the lowest rates. The firms are D. 
E. Lynds, Letton & Yiberts, G-. A. Miller, and I. Zim- 
merman. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 207 



JF. W, trd-JfSM^» MMd'M'i^& M^^U'S^^^Trmmmt 



OR, 



The subject of this sketch is one who early embarked 
in manufacturing here, and who has by his industry 
and energy built up an extensive trade and accumulated 
large wealth. 

F, AY. Jansen is a native of Prussia, where he was 
born in 1815. In 1834, being then only nineteen years 
of age, he emigrated to this country without relatives, 
and located at St. Louis. Eemaining there only one 
3^ear and a half, in 1836 he came to Quincy, and obtain- 
ed employment as a cabinet maker, with Geo. Wood. 
In 1838 he commenced business for himself, establish- 
ing his first cabinet shop and wareroom, both in one, 
on Maine street, between Sixth and Seventh, using 
Maine street for a lumber yard. Subsequently he re- 
moved to a frame store, which stood on the present 
site of Coburn's shoe store, north of the Court House, 
Soon after he bought his present stand two doors south 
of the Court House, of Joel Eice, and removed to the 
same. 

AVhen he first commenced business, Mr. Jansen em- 
ployed only one hand, while to-day he is the head of 
the firm of F. W. Jansen & Son, which runs one of the 



208 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

largest furniture factories in the State, employing as 
high as sixty-five hands, and in connection with their 
factory, occupying one of the largest stores in the city 
for their warerooms. 

One of the first alderman of Quincy, being elected 
when the city was organized, he has at all times mani- 
fested a deep interest in the progress of our city, and 
has liberally aided with his means in advancing her re- 
lio-ions and educational interests. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 209 

MISCELLANEOUS. 



The following are the firms engaged in the less im- 
portant branches of trade. 

Auction and Commission — Brougham k Son, H. 
Kohn, Pricer & Jackson. 

Book Agent — J. W. Marsh. 

Clocks — Wardell & Co. 

Coffee and Spices — Treat & Co. and A. M. Claflin. 

European Passage Agents — T. T. "Woodruff and H. 
F. J. Kicker. 

Fast Freight Lines — F. Bradley, W. Harvey, 
Schermerhorn & Bro. 

Transfer Teams — J. Clements, Hall & Co., P. Hen- 
ricks, and ^Norton & Co. 

Insurance Agents — W. F. Pitney, Tj. H. Baker, S. 
P. Church, Geo. W. Foss &. Son, P. C. Keller, J. J. 
Langdon, Penfield & Bishop, Mrs. L. H. Thompson, 
J. C. White, Wilson & Corey, C. H. Bull, Charles de 
Lescluze, Hamburgher & Lesem, B. J. Hawkes, E. H. 
Hurlbut, Hutton & Boam, C. H. La Beeres, J. L. Miles, 
E. H. Osborn, Parker & Bull, S. P. Parker, A. H. Pot- 
ter, B. H. Potter, J. Ehoades, G. M. Eogers, J. C. 
Scroggs, C. Seeger, C. Thomas, F. Thompson, and C. 
Witzemann. 

Ladies' Fancy Goods — M. Flachsand H. L. Soramer. 

Lightning Eods — E. Ash. 

Lime — A. Carroll, W. D. Meyer, H. Surmeier, M. 
Zimmermanii, and Zipf & Gehring. 

14 



210 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Livery, Sale and Exchange Stables — J. L. Hatch- 
er, Millard & Byington, Miller & Hughes, J. S. Agej, 
and Emmons & Aldrich. 

Masonic Books and Goods — Wm. M. Avise. 

Meat Markets — Y. Kauder, J. Lock, jr., J. M. Bal- 
lancc, C. W. Braiin, J. Fey, Gasser & Monsag, J. Geh- 
ring, M. Grunbaum, H. Kaiser, C. Kauder, Klarner & 
Lock, Klarner & Oakley, W. Lock, B. Netter, A. Oertle, 
J. Oertle. J. & Y. Pfirman, F. Schwab & Co., K. Schwab, 
D. Yeihl, Werneth & Barth, S. Werneth, and J. Whit- 
bread. 

News Dealers— O. W. Brooker, F. E. Doyen, Ben- 
ning & Oenning, E. B. Winn, P. S. Janes. 

Nurseries — Hargis & Sommer, and J. H. Manning. 

Omnibus Line — Miller & Hughes. 

One Dollar Store — Hall & Bunt. 

Photograph Goods — E. Long. 

Produce and Commission — H. A. Williamson, J. W. 
Bass, jr., & Co., J. Burns, jr., and Bernbrock & Eeichl. 

Beal Estate— W. F. Pitney, E. H.Buckley and Son, 
S. P. Church, J. P. Erskine, D. Paullin, C. A. & A. E. 
Savage, W. E. Avise, Brougham & Son, M. B. Denman, 
J. B. Gilpin, Hutton & Byam, R. Jansen, L. Kingman, 
J. H. & J. W. McGindley, Moore & Co., J. S. Nelson, 
M. G. Palmer, H. T. Patten., E. Prince, 0. A. Turner, 
and E. K. Turner. 

Sand and Gravel — Quincy Sand and Gravel Co. 

Steamboat Agents — F. H. Aldrich and Schermer- 
horn & Bro. 

Wood Yards— T. Bimson, W. S. Chevalier, A. C. 
Denman, C. Gruell & McElfresh, and W. Trowbridge. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 211 

ORj "MEN or mark" IN QUINCY. 



Some men are born to prosperity, while others carve 
it out of the very desert of life, and rear an oasis of suc- 
cess in its midst. 

Of this class is Eobert S. Benneson. Born in ]S"ew- 
€astle County, Delaware, at the age of 14 he commenc- 
ed riding the mail, and continued at this four years, 
when he returned to his father's and learned the shoe- 
maker's trade. He continued at this but one year, 
when he determined to learn the carpenter's trade. He 
worked at that one year in the vicinity of his home, 
when he went to Philadelphia, and there completed his 
apprenticeship. Eemaining in that city for nine years, 
working at his trade, at the end of that time he resolv- 
ed to visit the west. In 1837, he proceeded via Pitts- 
burg to St. Louis, and thence up the river. On the ar- 
rival of the steamer at Quincy, he took a stroll through 
the then unpretentious town to take observations, and 
was so impressed with the place that he returned to 
the boat, ordered his baggage ashore and settled for 
life. His first employment was with Nathaniel Sum- 
mers, who was engaged in erecting a house on the site 
of the present Post Office. He continued at the car- 



212 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

penter trade up to 1840, when he associated with him 
Wm. Dickhut, and engaged in the luniber trade. This 
tirm continued for sixteen years, and upon its dissohi- 
tion he formed a co-partnership with John W. Corill 
and N. D. Benneson, under the firm name of Benneson 
& Co., which lasted for four years, when Mr. Benneson 
withdrew, and engaged in bujnng and improving real 
estate. At this he has been eminently successful, and 
the past year completed a block of stores that in beauty 
of design, durability of structure, and admirable adap- 
tation to business, are unsurpassed anywhere. During 
his residence in Quincy, Mr. Benneson has filled many 
positions of trust and honor, being twice elected alder- 
man, once mayor, and also President of the Quincy Gas 
Light & Coke Co. He is at present Director of the 
First National Bank, a position he has held from its or- 
ganization, and fills the same position in the Gas Com- 
pan}^, and Quincy, Alton & St. Louis Eailroad. 

There is no citizen of Quincy who has labored more 
zealously, and given more generously to promote the 
moral, social and commercial welfare of our city, and 
none who rank higher in public esteem. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 213 



HOTELS. 

Quincy ia particularly fortuDate in having a number 
of first class hotels, kept in the very best style, and 
managed by enterprising landlords. In this line the 
Treraont House, Quincy House, and Wilson House are 
models that are equal in every respect to the best hous- 
es in the country. Besides these there are a number 
of smaller houses and all together offer abundant ac- 
commodation for the traveling public. 

The following is the list of hotels: Tremont House, 
Quincy House, Wilson House, Adams House, Sherman 
House, Yirginia House, Ballard House, Magnolia House, 
Oehmen House, Union Farmers' Home, Armbruster's 
Hotel, Broadway House, European House, Farmers' 
Home, Farmers' House, Fifth Ward House, Gem City 
Hotel, Kentucky House, Maine Street Union House, 
Mississippi House, Pennsylvania House, Prairie House, 
Railroad House, Sengen House, Stadt Dresden, Star 
Hotel, Union House, Waterford House. 

Restaurants — F. Ralph, James Wilson, A. Steidel, 
Fourquet & Lehnerts. 

Billiard Rooms — James Furlong, Quincy House, 
Tremont House, James Wilson, Buchheit & Rnter. 



2U HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

OR '' MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch was one of the early mer- 
chaDts of Quincy, and has been identified with the 
prosperity of our city for a long period. 

E. K. Stone is a native of Massachusests, being born 
at Grafton, in that State, in ISIS. He remained there 
until he was 20 years of age, when he migrated west, 
locating at Alton, Illinois. Eemaining but one year at 
Alton, in 1839 he came to Quincy, and obtained em- 
ployment as salesman in the store of Joseph Haywood. 
Shortly after he established himself in the boot and 
shoe business one door east of the Quincy House, but 
subsequently removed to the west side of the square. — 
On the completion of the building now occupied by 
Brown & Pope, he opened there the first wholesale boot 
and shoe store in our city, associating with him Mr, 
A. B. Kingsbury, the firm name being E. K. Stone & 
Co. In 1SG6 he sold his interest in the firm and retired 
from business. 

Mr. Stone has at all times been an active and useful 
citizen. He served one term as alderman, and has ever 
manifested a decided interest in Quincy's progress. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 215 



PROFESSIONAL. 



Architects — R. Banee, L. F. Lakey, C. Petri, and G. 
Raby. 

Artists— P. Prescott, R. W. Conrad, D. Hely, F. C. 
Richter, and J. Wahlert. 

Attorneys at Law — Arntzen & Richardson, Benne- 
son & Janes, Browning & Bushnell, E. II. Buckley, J. 
M. Cyrus, Duff & Tyrer, Emmons, Butz & Prentiss, W. 
G. Ewing, Goodwin & Davis, Jackson Grimshaw, E. B. 
Hamilton, U. H. Keath, J. II. & J. W. McGindley, E. 
Prince, G. J. Richardson, Scoggan & McCann, Skinner 
& Marsh, J. C. Thompson, R. K. Turner, "Warren & 
Wheat, Wheat & Marcy, J. H. Williams, Henry Asbury, 
G. W. Fogg, F. S. Giddings, C. Greely, H. II. Jansen, 
R. L. Miller, I. M. Moore, H. T. Patten, A. Wheat, jr. 

Civil Engineers — B. I. Chatten, E. R. Chatten, 
Peter Smith, Charles Petri, L. T. Sides. 

Dentists — S. M. Sturgiss, E. D. Helms, DeCrow Bros , 

F. :N". Elliott, Lewis & Smith, C. F. Konantz, S. & P. 
Hubbard. 

Professors of Music — J. E. Hoefer, A. Bernhardt, 

G. H. Littlejohn, and. J. F. Grosh. 

Physicians— M. F. Bassett, W. W. Elgin, G. W. Ed- 
son, S. H. Hess, F. W. J. Rittler, Springer & Nichols, 



216 HISTORY OF QUINCT. 

S. A. Arnory, L. II. Baker, J. ^Y. Bartlett, M. E. Brown, 
J. II. Biiecking, L. II. Cohen, Curtis & Mc^Iahan, J. B. 
Cutts, M. Doway, F. Drude, S. W. Durant, E. E. Eh- 
mann, J. Guntlier, J. N. Hummer, J. T. Kmsler, P. A. 
Marks, G. T>. Mclntyre, A. Xiles, H. Oehlmann, G. 
Park, A. Pies, Ealston & Kendall, M. J. Eoeschlaub, 
Schmidt & Koch, C. A. Streeter, Talcott_& Brown, Tor- 
renoe & ISTance, W. P. Torronce, J. YanSteenbergh, L. 
Watson, L. H. Wilcox, Wilson & Bobbins, C. A. W. Zim- 
mermann, sr., C. A. W. Zimmermann, jr. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 217 



IP. m. J'QM^&Q^, M3Q,» MM^Mi^& Mms^m^^w^ 



OR, " MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY. 



Of all the successful merchants of Quincy, none rank 
the subject of this sketch for sterling business worth, 
indomitable energy, and unbounded enterprise. 

W. H. Johnson, head of the leading dry goods firm 
of W. H. Johnson & Co., is a native of Albany County, 
N. Y., where he w^as born in 1837. Remaining in New 
York until 1850, he then removed to Cincinnati, where 
he passed a thorough apprenticeship in the dry goods 
business, studying its details and becoming versed in 
its various phases. Commencing in the employ of 
others without a dollar at the age of nineteen, at twen- 
ty-three, by his tact and energy, he was enabled to es- 
tablish himself in business. Eeniaining in Cincinnati 
until 1864, in that year he removed to Bloomington, 
Illinois, and opened there an extensive retail dry goods 
house, conducting it with great success until 18G7. 

Retiring from business in Bloomington, in 18G7, asso- 
ciating with him Mr. F. L. Crosby, his present partner, 
Mr. Johnson established the two extensive wholesale 
and retail dry goods houses of W. H. Johnson & Co., 
one at Springfield and the other in this city. The 
Springfield house did a business the first year of $250,- 



218 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



000, and the Quincy establishment $500,000, showing 
the experiment to have been a decided success in both 
cities. 

With the opening of 1869 Mr Johnson secured the 
magnificent block of stores erected by W. B. Powers, 
of this city, and fitting it up in a style of elegance and 
taste seldom equalled in the great cities of the east, 
opened it with a magnificent stock of dry goods, car- 
pets, etc., to the wholesale and retail trade. This es- 
tablishment is a temple of beauty, and is managed and 
conducted with admirable success. 

Mr. Johnson's personal appearance indicates the man 
— quick, energetic and systematic, he is in every sense 
a business man, who finds his rarest enjoyment in the 
routine of daily commercial transactions. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 2l9 



THE ^^ PRESS. 



While many tig.encies have been at work to advance 
and improve Quincy, it is indisputable that the "Press" 
of the city has contributed largely to her growth and 
prosperity. We have been peeuliarly^fortunate in this 
particular in having at the head of our city journals 
men of enterprise and sagacity. Ever prompt to sup- 
port and advocate any measure calculated to benefit, 
improve, or enrich Quincy, her newspapers have been 
a power for good, to whom she is vastly indebted for 
the progress she has made in commerce, arts, and 
science. 

The "Press" of Quincy at present comprises four 
journals. The oldest of these, the 



QUINCY HEPALD, 

is now in its 36th volume, having been established in 
1834. It is Democratic in politics, and wields a powerful 
influence in the party. Its circulation is larger than any 
Democratic j^aper in the State, outside of Chicago, and a 
period of prosperity has dawned upon it, that promises 
soon to place it in the front rank of the leading news- 
papers of the country. A few months since the Herald 
Printing Company, by whom it is published, occupied 
the new Herald building, erected especially for them, 
and now have one of the most complete newspaper and 



220 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

job printing offices in the State. Austin Brooks, Esq., 
who has been connected with the Herald for over a 
quarter of a century as proprietor and editor, 'is its 
present editor, assisted by James H. Wallin. The pro- 
prietors are Jno. P. Cadogan, A. Demaree, I Gr. Huff- 
man, and H. J. Gardner, who form the Herald Printing 
Company. ' . 



THE QUINCY WHIG AND REPUBLICAN 

Is next in age to the Quinc}^ Herald, having had an 
existence of 32 years, during which time it has faith- 
fully and steadily fought for the best interests of Quin- 
cy. It was an influential organ of the Whig party un- 
til the demise of the latter, when it espoused the prin- 
ciples of the Republican party, and has been a herculean 
worker in both. Skillfully managed and ably edited, 
it is to day a leading organ of the Republican party, 
having a large circulation and being in a prosperous 
condition. It is edited by Gen. John Tillson, with P. 
H. Bailhache as assistant. The publishers are Maj. W. 
H. Bailhache and I). L. Phillips, who form the Quincy 
Whig Company. 

Both of the above are aaily nlorning papers. 



THE EVENING JOURNAL 

Is the only daily evening paper printed in English. 
Although it has not been long established, the Journal 
has made itself useful, and has proven a valuable acqui- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 221 

eition to the "Press" of Quiiicy. Its management has 
displa3^ed commendable enterprise in its conduct, and 
it has taken rank as an influential journal. The past 
summer it also moved into new and commodious quar- 
ters, and has now one of the finest offices in the State. 
Independent in politics, it is devoted mainly to the local 
interests of QuinCy and the surrounding country. T. 
M. Eogers and A. II. Lacy are its editors, and the 
former is its proprietor and manager. 

In addition to the English dailies, w^e have the 



QUINCY TEIBUNE, 

published daily in German, which is well sustained by 
the large German element in our city. It is owned and 
managed bj^ T. M. Eogers, Esq., proprietor of the Eve- 
ning Journal, and performs good work in its proper 
sphere, Louis Korth, Esq., is the editor, and dischar- 
ges the duties of the position with marked ability. 
A German monthly publication, entitled 



DEE EEZ-DEUIDE, 

now in its 5th year, is also issued by Charles Petri, Esq., 
who edits the same in the interests of the United An- 
cient Order of Druids. It is the official organ of the 
order. This is a neat paper, creditable alike to the pub- 
lisher and the organization of which it is an exponent. 



222 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

WESTERN AGRICULTUEIST. 

This publication, devoted to the interests of agricult- 
ure, is issued by T. Eutterworth, and is ably edited and 
managed. 



RESUME. 



QuiNCY Herald Publ 

QuiNCY Whig & Republican 
QuiNCY Evening Journal .... 
QuiNCY Tribune, (German)... 
Der Erz-Druide, (German).. 
Western Agriculturist 



shed by Herald Printing Co. 
" Quincy Whig Co. 
" T. M. Rogers. 
" T. M. Rogers. 
" Charles Petri. 
" T. Butterworth. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 223 



tF^MMS ^BTMWEi &m;^sswQ M^^w^agw^sbe^ 



OR "MEN OF MARK' IN QUINCY. 



"While Quincy has many sources of wealth and pow- 
er, she may rely to a great extent upon her manufac- 
turing interests for permanent prosperity — and hence 
the debt she owes those, who like the subject of this 
sketch have struggled through years of uncertainty, to 
build here a manufacturing center. 

Mr. Arthur emigrated west in 1835, touched at St. 
Louis, and then continued up the river to Galena. Re- 
turning to St. Louis, he obtained employment as clerk 
in a wholesale boat store. Bemaining with this house 
two years, at the expiration of that time he established 
himself in the dry goods and grocery business. Retir- 
ing from this, he accepted the position of commander 
of a steamboat, and after continuing at this a few years 
came to Quincy in 1845, and established himself in the 
boat store business. In 1847 he embarked in pork pack- 
ing, and subsequently associating with him the late 
Joseph E. Norwood, erected a commodious pork house 
on the bay. To this he devoted his time and capital 
until 1855, when he erected the extensive saw mill now 
operated and managed by him, in connection with J. A. 
Van Doom, since which time he has engaged exclu- 



224 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

eively in the manufacture and sale of lumber, employ- 
ing permanently some fifty hands, and running steadily 
almost the entire year round. 

Mr. Arthur has served the city efficiently as alder- 
man, but his achievements have been rather in the 
quiet walks of social life, and in his business. A man 
of unquestionable integrity and honor, his success in 
business is the result of indefatigable industrj-, and pru- 
dent management. Enterprising and public spirited, 
he has at all times manifested a deep interest in the 
moral and social elevation of Qiiincy, while his own 
life has been that of an unostentatious and practical 
christian. 



HISTORV OF QIJJNCV. 225 



BANKING INSTITUTIONS. 



Quinoy is well supplied with banking institutions, 
which aftbrd ample facilities to her business men in the 
daily mutations of commerce, and through their able 
management encourage legitimate enterprise, and ad- 
vance the city generally in wealth and importance. 



THE UNION BANK OF QUINCY 

Occupies one of the handsomest busiuess structures in 
the city, and has every modern convenience for security 
and speed in the transaction of its business. It -was es- 
tablished by a number of the solid men of Quincy and 
Adams County, and in its management can boast some 
of the most skillful of our tinanciers. Many of our 
wealthy citizens are stockholders in this institution and 
its directors are as follows: Henry Root, II. S. Osborn, 
Joseph Sibley, J. M. Earel, Aldo Sommer, E. M. Moffett, 
vSamuel E. Seger, Wm. Charles, and Isaac Lesem. The 
ofHcers are : Henry Root. Pres., II. S. Osborn, Y. Pres.. 
E. M. Moffett, Cashier, C. II. Charles, Ass. Cashier. 



EIRST NATIONAL BANK OF QUINCY. 

This famous institution was first established as the 
'•Quincy SavinL^'s Bank" under the State law in 1857, 

^15 



22G HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

The first directors were John Wood, sr., R S. Benne- 
son, C. M. Pomroy, Iliram Rogers, and Elijah Gove. 
The officers were: E. Gove, Pres., A. C. Marsh, Sec'y, 
C. B. Clark, Cashier. In 1864 it merged into the First 
National Bank of Qiiincy under the same management, 
and has continued through a career of unprecedented 
prosperity. Its directors at present are: C. H. Curtis, 
C. M. Pomroy, O. C. Skinner, Thomas Jasper, George 
Bond, R. S. Benneson, F. Collins, Amos Green, Edward 
"VYells. The officers are : C. M. Pomroy, Pres., Thomas 
Jasper, V. Pres., U. S. Penfield, Cashier. 

Mr. Penfield has served this institution faithfully and 
with marked efficiency for a long term of years, and 
bids fair to remain its honored cashier for years to come. 



MERCHANTS' and FARMERS' NATIONAL BANK. 

In 1864 the Merchants' and Farmers' National Bank 
of Quincy was organized, antl since commencing busi- 
ness has proved vastly beneficial to our commercial 
community. Its directors are: Lorenzo Bull, N. Bush- 
nell, C. H. Bull, O. H. Browning, and E. J. Parker. 
The officers are : Lorenzo Bull, Pres., N. Bushnell, Y. 
Pres., C. II. Bull, Cashier, and E. J. Parker, Assistant 
Cashier. 



H. F. J. RICKER & CO.'S BANKING HOUSE. 

Perhaps one of the safest and most successful private 
banking houses in Illinois is that of Henry F. Joseph 
Ricker & Co. in this city. This house was established 



HISTORY OF QUINCY, 227 

by Mr. Eicker in 1860, he having done business on a 
small scale previously. In 1865 he purchased the bank- 
ing house of John Wood & Co., where he remained 
three months, when he removed to his present stand, 
and associating with hina Bernard H. Frank Iloene, es- 
tablished the banking house of Henry F. Joseph Eicker 
& Co., one of the most successful in Quincy. 



THOMAS T. WOODEUFF, BANKEE. 

Still another private banking house and one that has 
successfully operated for several years, is that of Thos. 
T. Woodruff. This was established by Mr. Woodruff in 
1866, and has been managed liberally, but prudently. 



228 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



MBwmmB wm&&.^^ Esq, 



OR "MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY. 



One of the most successful as well as one of the most 
influential citizens of Quincy, is the subject of this 
sketch. 

Edward Wells was born in Newburyport, Massachu- 
setts, in 1813, which place he left at the age of seven- 
teen, removing to Boston. In 1834 he left Boston for 
Quincy, arriving here in October of that year, after a 
journey of thirty-six days, the time then required to 
make the trip. Being a cooper, he at once obtained 
emploj^ment at his trade, but soon after associating 
with Gen. Jas. D. Morgan, also a cooper, they opened a 
shop of their own on the site of the present county jail. 
In connection with this Mr. Wells also carried on the 
provision and packing business, continuing the two 
branches for nine years. At the expiration of that time 
he embarked in pork and beef packing on a large scale, 
and has been successfully engaged in that business up 
to within a year. 

One of the wealthiest of our citizens, Mr. Wells is 
also one of our most enterprising and public spirited 
men. He has served the city efficiently as alderman 
of the Second Ward, is at j^resent Director of the First 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 229 

National Bank, of the Quincy, Alton & St. Louis E. E., 
of the Eepublic Insurance Co. of Chicago, and President 
of its local Board, and has been prominent for his un- 
tiring energy in behalf of the many railroad projects 
originated the past few years for the advancement of 
Quincy. 

Few men have done more for Quincy than Edward 
Wells, and she boasts no more valuable citizen. 



230 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



EDUCATIONAL. 



The citizens of Quiiiey, with corninendable isjreBight, 
early turned their attention to providing educational 
institutions for their children, and at the same time, by 
establishing public schools secured the benefits of an 
education to those without parents, or whose parents 
were unable to bear the expense. While most of the 
colleges and academies that have been founded here 
have prospered and become self-sustaining, and while 
we feel an interest in their success, still the greatest 
pride our citizens feel is in the noble system of public 
schools, which through years of struggling and experi- 
menting, have been brought to a high degree of perfec- 
tion. These schools, which are supported by the taxa- 
tion of property, are managed by a Board chosen annu- 
ally by the City Council, and we are thus guaranteed 
that they will be placed at all times under the control 
of competent persons. 



PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The Board of Education is composed as follows: — 
P. A. Goodwin, President, Thos. W. Macfall, Clerk, J. 
W. Brown, Superintendent of Schools, E. H. Turner, 
H. H. Mertens, A. J. Lubbe and C. E. Puchardson. 



HISTORY OF QIIINCY. 231 

The High School is situated on Eighth street. A. 
W. Starkey is principal, Miss M. E. Osborn first and 
Miss M. E. Kenney second assistant. Total number of 
pnpils enrolled, 75. 

The Grammar School is in the same buildiuix. Mies 
M. P. Oven and Mrs. M. W. Starkey, teachers. Total 
number of pupils enrolled. 106. 

WashlnctTon School is situated on the corner of 
Sixth and Cherry streets. Teachers — Miss Kate An- 
derson, Miss Helen C. Turner, Miss Emma Haines, and 
Miss Amanda Sylvester. Number of pupils enrolled, 202. 

Jefferson School is situated in Jefferson Square. 
Teachers — Miss Hannah Mahoney, Miss M. S. Kendall, 
Miss Emma Jones, and Miss Clara H. Keenan. .Num- 
ber of pupils enrolled, 247. 

Franklin School is situated on Fifth, between York 
and Kentucky. Teachers — Miss E. F. Kendall, Miss 
M. A. Crockett, Miss M. E. Welsh, and Mrs. R. J. Day. 
Number of pupils enrolled, 246. 

Irving School is situated on Payson Avenue, be- 
tween Eighth and Ninth streets. Teachers — Miss Julia 
W. Burns, Miss Susie Dunn, Miss A. S. Street, and 
Miss M. A.Tf . Carpenter. Number of pupils enrolled, 230. 

Berrian School— Corner of Eighth and Van Buren 
streets. Teachers — Miss Ada R. Lafever, Miss Ella 
Smith, and Miss Kate Shannahan. Numbers of pupils 
enrolled, 150. 

Webster School — Corner of Twelfth and Maine 
streets. Teachers — Miss E. M. Bryson, Miss Lizzie 



232 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Welch, Miss M. E. Randall, Miss Laura Drain, and Miss 
Mary Allen. Kumber of pupils enrolled, 318. 

Madison School is in East Quiney. Teachers — Miss 
M. A. McKinnie, and Miss Monia McKinnie. Number 
of pupils enrolled, 73. 

Colored School, No. 1 — Oak, between Ninth and 
Tenth streets. Teacher — Miss M. F. Martin. Number 
of pupils enrolled, 46. 

Colored School, No. 2 — Tenth, between Spring and 
Oak streets. Teacher— Miss W. H. Morgan. Number 
of pupils enrolled, 75. 

Total number of schools, 10; total number of teach- 
ers, 31 ; total amount salaries paid officers and teachers, 
617,500; incidental expenses, $4,500. Total number of 
children enrolled in all the schools, white 1,647, colored 
121; total white and colored, 1,768. Average cost to 
city of each pupil attending public schools, $12.44|^. 

In addition to the public schools, the following col- 
leges, academies, and schools are well supported and 
numeronsly attended: 

Quiney College, Spring street, between Third and 
Fourth streets. 

St. Francis College, corner Vine and Eighteenth sts. 

Quiney Female Seminary, Eighth, between Maine and 
Hampshire streets. 

Institute of the Infant Jesus, Eighth and Yermont 
streets. 

German Independent School, Eleventh and Jersey 
streets. 



HISTORY OF QUINCT. 233 



SELECT SCHOOLS. 

M. C. Abbe, E. A. Bower, IL A. Farwell, I. Fogg, H. 
C. Terrell, T. Walker. 



SCHOOLS CONNECTED WITH CHUECHES. 

Evangelical Zion's Church, each of the German Ev- 
angelical, German Evangelical Lutheran, Hebrew, and 
Eoman Catholic Churches. 

The public schools, as we have said, have been brought 
to a high state of perfection, and offer every advantage 
to those seeking an education. A thorough English 
education is afforded under the present admirable sys- 
tem of management, and the German language is also 
taught. 

In our colleges not only the English in all its branch- 
es is taught, but every opportunity is offered to obtain 
a thorough knowledge of the classics. 

The educational advantages of Quincy are well worthy 
the attention of those seeking homes in the west, and 
no city of its size will be found better provided in this 
respect. 



284 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



WM. MQMEiBB Mm^» 



OK -'MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY 



The subject of this sketch since his residence in Quin- 
cy has contributed Uirgely by his enterprise to advance 
the manufjic taring interests of the city. 

The question of obtaining coal in abundance and at 
reasonable rates was one that long agitated our citizens 
— and Mr. Morris on locating here, began operating the 
mines at Colchester, and soon developed them to an ex- 
tent that enabled him to supply us at prices below even 
Chicago, with all her railroad and water facilities. 

A native of ISTew York, Mr. Morris passed the period 
of his life until he was twenty-three in various cities of 
the Empire State. In 1840 he proceeded south, and 
after making an extended tour of' the Southern States, 
located in Mobile, engaging in the wholesale grocery . 
business. Here he remained until 1857, when he came 
to Quincy, and at once embarked in the coal business, 
as one of the Quincy Coal Co. 

Since engaging in this enterprise he has directed and 
managed its affairs including its mines at Colchester and 
yards in this city, with ability and success, making its 
operations both profitable to the company and satisfac- 
tory to the public. 

A liberal and estimable gentleman, Mr. Morris ranks 
as one of the solid men of Quincy. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 235 



€M^&. W. MMTMS» J^b&bemq Mmm^m^^w* 



Many of the young men of Quincy have within the 
past few years embarked in business, and taken front 
rank as active and enterprising merchants. 

Of these, Charles W. Keyes, of the leading drug house 
of Montgomery & Co., is an instance. A native of 
Quincy, his father being one of the first settlers here, 
after graduating at Williams College, Mass., in 1864, he 
made an extended tour through Europe, and then re- 
turning to Quincy, embarked in the wholesale drug 
business, as one of the firm of Montgomery & Co. In 
business he has been eminently successful, the firm with 
which he is connected, ranking any in its lino in the 
city. Prudent, but eminently enterprising, and thor- 
oughly devoted to business, Mr. Keyes has a career of 
uninterrupted prosperity before him. 



236 HISTORY 01' QUINCT. 

RELIGIOUS. 



There are in Quincy twenty-five eliurches or places 
of worship, which speaks well for the moral character 
of her people. Many of these are imposing and costly 
edifices, that well deserve an extended notice here, but 
for want of space we are obliged to forego the pleasure. 
The various denominations are represented as follows : 

Baptist — First Baptist Church, First Colored Bap- 
tist Church, and Vermont Street Baptist Church. 

Christian — Church of Christ. 

Congregational — 1st Union Congregational Church, 
German Evangelical Zion's Church. 

Episcopal — St. John's Church. 

German Evangelical — Salem's Church, St. Jacobi 
Church. 

German Evangelical Lutheran — St. J ohn's Church, 
St. Peter's Church. 

Hebrew — German Eeformed Congregation — B' nai 
Sholoum, K. K. Bnai Abrohom. 

Methodist Episcopal — African M. E. Church, Fifth 
Street M. E. Church, German M. E. Church, Vermont 
Street M. E. Church. 

Presbyterian — First Presbyterian Church, West- 
minster Church. 

Roman Catholic — St. Aloysius Chapel, St. Boniftxce 
Church, St. Francis Church, St. Mary's Church, St. 
Peter's Church. 

Unitarian — Second Congregational Society. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 237 



Q^EQE^» J^mmwiK^iS Mm^wws^T'umEmB 



OR ''MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY. 



We come now to one who has been eminently success- 
ful in one of the most important branches of our manu- 
factures, and who has also wielded a large influence in 
municipal affairs. 

H. S. O.sborn, senior member of the Arm of W. II. 
Osborn & Co., is a native of England, where he was 
born June Gth, 1814. Passing his youth in the city of 
London, where he was born, he there received his edu- 
cation, and when about twenty years of age, emigrated 
to the United States. He first located in Kew York 
city, where he remained two j^ears, at the expiration, 
of which time he removed to Gircleville, Ohio, and en- 
gaged in the milling business. At the end of three 
years, he changed his location to Waverly, Ohio, where 
he again embarked in the milling enterprise. For nine 
years he continued at Waverly, after which he came to 
Quincy, arriving here in August, 1846. Purchasing an 
interest in the old "Eagle Mills" that stood at the cor- 
ner of Broadway and Front streets, he continued to 
operate it as one of the firm of Wheeler, Osborn & Co., 
until it was destroyed by fire. The firm at once pro- 
ceeded to replace the building destroyed, and in 1852 
completed a splendid new edifice, and furnished it with 



238 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

all the equipments and machinery for a first-class flour- 
ing mill. This was subsequentb^ sold to the C. B. & Q. 
K. IL Co., and removed to supply the demand for more 
yard room. It was upon the sale of this building that 
the present colossal structure known as the "Eagle 
Mills" was erected. It was completed in 1867, and is 
in every respect one of the finest establishments of its 
kind in the Union. Its equipments are of the most 
modern style, its machinery of the most approved pat- 
tern, and its improvements of the most convenient or- 
der. 

It is now operated and managed by the firm of W. 
H. Osborn & Co., of which, as we have said, Mr. Osborn 
is senior partner, and is one of the most successful in- 
stitutions of our city. 

In addition to being one of the most successful of our 
citizens, Mr. Osborn is also one of the most valuable. 
Several times elected to the City Council, his services 
in that body were marked and beneficial to the city. 
He has also been active in every public enterprise, and 
his contributions to the charitable institutions of Quin- 
cy have been on a scale of liberality equaled by but 
few. 

A thorough business man, a generous and enterpris- 
ing citizen, none have contributed more to improve 
and advance Quincy than H. S. Osborn. 



HfSTORY OF QXJINCY. 239 



S. «/". MMSMM» liB^si^Q MMMesd'^r» 



OR, "MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY 



As the bead of the great dry goods house of S. J. 
Lesem, Bro. & Co., the subject of this sketch has won 
a reputation for business sagacity and ability that 
places him in the front rank of the leading merchants 
of the country. 

S. J. Lesem is a native of Bavaria, where he received 
his business education, and where he remained until 
the age of 21, He then concluded to come to the 
United States, and in 1850 he arrived in St. Louis. Ee- 
maining there but a few days, he proceeded to Saint 
Charles county, Mo., where he engaged on a farm, but 
continued at it onl}^ three months. He then commenc* 
ed peddling, carrying his own pack until he had accu- 
mulated sufficient means to buy a horse and wagon. 
After two years' experience in peddling, Mr. Lesem 
established himself in the mercantile business in War- 
rington, Mo., with two partners. *'* At the end of one 
year he removed to Glasgow in the same state, and ob- 
tained employment as clerk in a dry goods house. 
From there he proceeded to LaFayette county, and went 
into business with an uncle, with whom he remained 18 
months, when he sold out, and came to Quincy. Here, 



240 HISTORY Oi" QUINCY. 

in 1855, in connection with his uncle, S. Lesem, now de- 
ceased, he opened a dry goods house. In 1856, he pur- 
chased the interest of S. Lesem in the business and as- 
sociating with his brother Isaac Lesem, conducted the 
same until 1865, when, associating with them Gustav 
Levy, they opened the first exclusive wholesale dry 
goods house ever established in Quincy. 

Since then this house has done an immense trade, 
and its commodious salesrooms are constantly alive with 
business. 

Managed by thorough business men, who have been 
drilled in the school of experience, its business is daily 
increasing, and already the house of S. J. Lesem, Bro. 
& Cp. ranks second to few in the west in the quantity 
and quality of stock carried, and the amount of annual 
sales. 



HISTORY OP QLINCy. 211 



OR, " MEN OF MARK '* IN QUINCY. 



None have been more active in the cause of educa- 
tion in Quinc}', than the subject of this sketch. John 
W. Brown is a native of Ohio, being born in Warren 
county in that state in 1832. His early life was spent 
upon a farm, where, although required to do hard work 
he was afforded the advantages of both a common 
school and academic education. In 1851 he bec-an 
teaching school, and for three years, while following 
this vocation, also devoted himself to perfecting his 
own studies. In 1855 he came to Quiney, and opened 
a jewelry store. He is still engaged in this business, as 
the head of one of the largest establishments in our 
city. 

Mr. Brown early manifested an interest in the edu- 
cational progress of Quiney, and assisted in the organi- 
zation of the Board of Education, of which he was the 
first clerk. Subsequently in 1863 he was again elected 
to the Board, and in 1865 was made Superintendent of 
Public Schools by the city council. The past year he 
was again called to this responsible position, which he 
still holds, administering its arduous duties with ability 
and satisfaction. In addition to his services in the 

16 



242 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

cause of education, Mr. Brown has also worked zealous- 
ly in organizing and conducting Sunday Schools, and is 
the present Secretary of the Adams County Sunday 
School Convention. Earnest and persevering, he sel- 
dom fails in what he undertakes, and hence he has been 
able to conduct successfully his extensive jewelry busi- 
ness, while devoting so large a share of his time to the 
public good. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



243 



FIRE DEPARTMENT. 



Thirty years ago the citizens of the then modest Citv 
of Qiiincy, commenced the foundation of what has since 
grown to be one of the strongest and most efficient vol- 
unteer fire departments in the Union. At that time 
most of the *' solid men " of Quincy mustered in No. 1 
Engine Company, and followed " the machine " when 
duty called. As a matter of interest, we reproduce a 
list of the members of this company, when it organized 
in 1839. Many of them have since passed to that bourne 
whence no traveler returns, but others will be recog- 
nized as active and leading citizens of Quincy to-day. — 
The followins: is the roster. 



Thomas Jasper, 
Amos Green, 
Thomas Redmond, 
James D. Morgan, 
Lorenzo Bull, jr., 
Edward Wells, 
Frederick W. Janson, 
Wm. H. Gage, 
Samuel Holmes, 
I. 0. Woodruflf, 
Hiram Rogers, 
F. G. Johnston, 
Damon Hauser, 
Nathaniel Summers, 
James McDade, 



J. A. King 
John B. Young, 
Wm. H. Tandy, 
Joel Thorn, 
Charles W. Manson, 
Wm. F. Karnes, 
Henry Burrell, 
J. H. Ralston, 
T. C. King, 
Louis Cosson, 
J. H. Luce, 
Adam Schmitt 
William Coyne, 
Charles McDonald, 
Geo. W. Chapman, 
John Crockett, 



Timothy Rogers, 
Thomas C. Benncson, Michael Mast, 
E. M. Davis. 



L. B. Allen, 
J. H. Holton, 
Jacob Gruel 1, 
Stedman Nash, 
Enoch Conyers, 
Wm. G. Flood, 
John H. Kreinhop, 
Jacob A. Funk, 
Charles Albright, 
Charles A. Nourse, 
Harrison Dills, 
T. W. Goodwyn, 
C. Yierheller, 
John H. Co'.tle, 
J. 0. Bernard, 
John Paine, 
Samuel Winters. 



2ii4: HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

The organization thus started, has now grown to 
several hundred members, with steam and hand engines 
of the most approved make, equipped in the most thor- 
ough manner, and managed by a Board of Fire Engin- 
eers under a most admirable system. 

The following is the roster of the department at pres- 
ent : 

Henry Meisser, Chief Engineer, J. H. Ayers, First 
Assistant, Wm. H. Shinn, Second Assistant. 

Board of Fire Engineers — May or Ber nun, ex-officio 
President ; John Tillson, Philip Steinbach, Henry Meis- 
8er, William H. Shinn ; John H. Ayers Sec'y. 



COMPANIES. 

QuiNCY, No. 1 — Steamer James M. Pitman. Tom 
J. Heirs, Pres., Wm. M. Avise, Yice Pres., E. Eaton, 
Sec'}^ D. G. Williams, Treas. 

John Metzger, foreman, T. 'Dyke, assistant foreman, 
John W. Schulte, foreman of hose, E. H. Benneson en- 
gineer. 

Water Witch No. 2 — Steamer James D. Morgan, 
and hand engine. Frank Scheiner, foreman, Henry 
Urmstead assistant foreman, M. McDonnell, sec'y, L. 
Bull, treas. 

Liberty No. 3 — Hand Engine. Henry Lageman, 
foreman, Bernard Kathman, sec'y. 

Neptune No, 4 — Steamer John Wood, and hand en- 
gine. John A. Steinbach, foreman, T. S. Clark, assistant 
foreman, Frank Smith, sec'y, J. Fisher, treas. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 245 

PnoENix No. 5— Hand Engine. Henry Stcinkamp, 
foreman, J. L. Pf\xii, jr.. fcec'y. 

EouGH AND Ready No. 6 — Hand Engine. John Wav- 
ering, foreman, Wm. Helmbold, eec'y. 

Pioneer Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 — Henry Gail, 
foreman, Henry Eothgeb, eec'y. 



The steamers, hand engines, hose, equipments, and 
engine houses at present under control of the Board are 
valued at $57,595. 

No city of Quincy's size in the Union is better pro- 
vided in this respect than is our own, and all that is re- 
quired to make our security against fire perfect, is the 
promised water works, which will undoubtedly be built 
within two years. 

Under the present system, public cisterns for the use 
of the department are built in various portions of the 
city, and are kept constantly full of water, to be used 
in case of fire. 

The past twelve months we have but fourteen fires 
to record, only one of which, the C. B. & Q. Freight 
Depot, was a serious conflagration. The total loss by 
fire for the year 1869; was $60,050, mostly covered by 
insurance. 



2i6 HISTORY OP QUIiNCY. 



MOJV", B* F. BEEmdt.^\ ^UdTQS QP Qui^QV, 



OR "MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch has ever since comiug to 
Qiiincy had a large interest in its welfare and prosper- 
ity, and though apparently figuring little in active busi- 
ness circles, has Avielded an influence second to none of 
our leading citizens. 

Benjamin F. Berrian is a native of the city of Xew 
York, where he was born Oct. 2d, 1831. In 1844 he 
came to Quincy, and commenced farming, at the same 
time superintending his brother's interests in real 
estate in and adjacent to the city. Owning a large 
amount of property in the city, and having an interest 
in the management of its affairs, in 1S57 he was elected 
to the common council from the 4th ward, and on the 
expiration of his term in 1S59, was re-elected. Eetir- 
ing from the council in 1861, he mingled little in poli- 
tics until 1869, when he was nominated for mayor, and 
elected by the largest majority but one ever given for 
that office. This position he now fills, discharging its 
duties in a manner alike creditable to himself and the 
city. 

A man of warm impulses, and genial and affable man 
ners. Mayor Berrian, long before his election to office, 
was one of the most popular of our citizens, and to-day 
has as many political and personal friends as any one 
in the community. 



HISTORY OF QUIN'CY. 247 



RAILROADS. 



Those who have given little time to investigating the 
history of oar railroads, and who were not immediately 
connected with them, have but a faint idea of the diffi- 
culties with which our citizens contended, in success- 
fully carrying out their early enterprises of this kind. 
Few of those who now enjoy the advantages of the 
magnificent system of railroads centering here, know, 
or think of the trials and struggles of their enterprising 
originators to bring about this grand consummation. — 
Those however who were intimately connected with 
these undertakings; and through whose indomitable 
perseverance and untiring energy they were successful- 
ly carried out, can now point with pride to the thor- 
oughly equipped and admirably managed roads entering 
Quincy as monuments to their sagacity and foresight. 
Three great lines of road terminate here at present, 
affording facilities and connections unsurpassed by any 
city in the Union. The oldest of these roads is the 



CHICAGO, BUELIXGTOX & QUINCY, 

"Which was completed and put in running order in Feb- 
ruary, 1856. That part of the road between Quincy 
and Galesburg, was built by the Northern Cross Rail- 
road Company, and was known as the Northern Cross 
Raih'oad until 1857. The history of this road would 



248 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

prove of decided interest to many of our readers who 
are not conversant with its varied fortunes from its ori- 
gin to the present time. Want of space, however, pre- 
vents us detailing at length these events. 

Under the internal improvement system, inaugurated 
by the State in 1837, various lines of railroad were pre- 
Bcribed by the Legislature, among which was the 
" Northern Cross Eailroad, from Quincy, on the Missis- 
eippi river, via Columbus and Clayton in Adams coun- 
ty, Mt. Sterling in Brown county, Meredosla and Jack- 
sonville in Morgan county, Springfield in Sangamon 
county, Decatur in Macon county, Sidney in Champaign 
county, and Danville in Vermillion county, thence to 
the State Line, in the direction of Lafayette, Indiana." 
Under this System the State commenced the con- 
struction of railroads in various sections of the State, 
but in the course of three or four years broke down, 
having expended some §8,000,000, and put in operation 
only sixty miles of road from Meredosia to Springfield, 
and this constructed in the most inferior manner. This 
was a part of the original "Northern Cross Eailroad," 
and was managed by the State for several years, when 
by order of the Legislature it was sold at public auc- 
tion. 

On the 10th day of February, 1849, the Legislature 
passed an act incorporating the Northern Cross Eail- 
road Company, with James M. Pitman, Samuel Holmes, 
John Wood, C. A. Warren, Gershom B. Dimock, Hiram 
Boylo and Isaac N. Morris of Adams county, and James 
Bi'ockman and James W. Singleton of Brown county, 
their associates, successors, assigns, &c., with power to 
construct, maintain and use a railroad from the west 



HISTORY OF QUINGY. 249 

bank of the Illinois river, opposite the town of Meredosia, 
to the Mississippi river at Quiucy. 

In pursuance of an act passed by the Legislature in 
October, 1849, Augustus C. French, then Governor, 
offered for sale that part of the said old Northern Gross 
Railroad l^'ing between the Illinois and Mississippi 
rivers — and James W. Singleton, Samuel Holmes, Hor- 
ace S. Gooley, Galvin A. AVarren, James M. Pitman and 
Isaac N. Morris became the purchasers for $1850, pay- 
able in State indebtedness. 

On the road thus purchased, there had been upwards 
of 6500,000 expended by the State between Quincy and 
G lay ton. 

At a meeting of the proprietors, on the 19th of Feb- 
ruary, 1850, it was recommended, " to the present own- 
ers of the road to subscribe ten thousand dollars of the 
capital stock of the same, in proportion to their respect- 
ive interests therein." In jmrsuance of this recommen- 
dation books were opened, and the proprietors subscrib- 
ed the following shares. 

I. N. Morris 15, J. \Y. Singleton 15, James M. Pitman 
15, Galvin A. Warren 10, Samuel Holmes 15, O. G. Skin- 
ner 5, X. Bushneil 5, H. S. Gooley 5, Amos Green 4, 
Bartlett &. Sullivan 3, Henry Asbury 2, Newton Flagg 
3, E. Moore 3. Making 100 shares equal to $-10,000, the 
number of shares required to enable the company to 
formally organize. The following Directors and Offi- 
cers were then elected : — I. X. Morris, Jas. W. Single- 
ton, Jas. M. Pitman, N. Bushneil, and N, Flagg, Direct- 
ors — I. N. Morris, Pres., Ebenezer Moore, Treas., and 
Samuel Holmes, Sec'j^. 

The Gompany now purchased from the proprietors, 



250 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

the road and appurtenances purchased from the State, 
and prepared for active work. Their efforts however, 
proved abortive, until the winter of 1850-1, when an 
arrangement was effected between the company and 
the citizens of Quincy, by which the city subscribed 
$100,000 stock, payable in bonds. The company was 
to have $20,000 of this stock as representing their in- 
terest, and a new election of Directors and Officers was 
to be held. 

After this subscription a new election was held, and 
Nehemiah Bushnell, Hiram Eogers, Lorenzo Bull, Jas. 
M. Pitman and Jas. D. Morgan were chosen Directors. 
Nehemiah Bushnell was then elected President. 

Under this organization the company went vigorous- 
ly to work, and located and graded the road from Quin- 
cy to Clayton, and had contracted for the necessary 
iron. The road w^as also located to Mt. Sterling, and 
the contracts for the work made with responsible par- 
ties, when some dissatisfaction having arisen in Brown 
county, the company were unable to get the bonds 
previously subscribed by that county. This important 
circumstance, together with the further important fact 
that the Sangamon & Morgan Eailroad Co. had always 
been hostile to a connection with our road, satisfied the 
company that any further effort to reach the Illinois 
river at that time was useless. 

The object had up to that time been to construct a 
road from Quincy to Mercdosia, but they were now 
compelled reluctantly to suspend operations in that di- 
rection. 

It was at this time that the company, resolved upon 
having a railroad outlet for Quincy, turned its attention 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 251 

northward, and sought other connections. The compa- 
ny previously, in 1851, had procured an act of the L -g- 
islature, authorizing them to build a lateral road, branch- 
ing off from the main line in Adams county in the di- 
rection of Chicago, and when they found it impossible 
to reach the Illinois river they entered into a contract 
with the Central Military Tract Railroad Co., then or- 
ganized to build a road north from Galesburg, in which 
for the purpose of better securing the construction of 
both roads, it was mutually agreed that neither would 
contract with any parties for building its road who 
would not at the same time agree to build the other, so as 
to secure to both roads a through line from Quincy to 
Chicago. Prior to this parties interested in the Michi- 
gan Central Eailroad had acquired control of the Auro- 
ra Branch Railroad, extending from Chicago to Mendo- 
ta, and were desirous of reaching the Mississippi river. 
In November, 1852, therefore, Nehemiah Bushnell, 
President of the Northern Cross Railroad Company, 
proceeded to Detroit, with a view if possible of interest- 
ing Messrs. J. W. Brooks and Jas. F. Joy, who repre- 
sented the parties controlling the Aurora Branch Road, 
in the immediate construction of our Northern Branch. 
The negotiations then commenced, led in June, 1853, to 
a final arrangement for building the entire line from 
Quincy to Chicago. 

The city of Quincy made a further subscription of 
$100,000, and its citizens also subscribed $100,000.-- 
Other parties along the line now subscribed to the en- 
terprise, and it was pushed forward vigorously, but not 
without delay and difficulties. In the latter part of 
January, 1856, the entire road from Quincy to Galesburg 



252 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

was completed at a cost of $3,600,000, and on the first 
day of February, following, the first through train pass- 
ed over the road. The road north from Galesburg to 
Chicago had been completed in the meantime, and thus 
we had an unbroken line from Quincy to Chicago. — 
From the time the company was rc-organized in 1851, 
during the whole period of the construction from Quin- 
cy to Galesburg, and up to the consolidation as the 
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Eailroad, in 1861, Nehe- 
miah Bushnell continued President of the Company, 
with Lorenzo Bull, Jas. D. Morgan, Hiram Eogers, 
John Wood, and James M. Pitman, Directors. 

The road thus built, after so many trials, and under 
80 many difficulties, has now become an integral por- 
tion of a long line of consolidated roads, second in im- 
portance to none in the west, extending from Quincy 
to Chicago, and branching from Galesburg to Burling- 
ton and Peoria, and through Lewiston and Eushville, 
embracing in its operations upwards of five hundred 
miles of first-class roads, perhaps the best equipped, 
best managed, and most successful business railroad in 
the whole country. The effect of the completion of this 
road upon Quincy may well be imagined. Business 
started anew, and grew to magnificent proportions, our 
population was augmented by thrifty mechanics and 
laborers from the east, new branches of manufacture 
and business were established, and in a short time 
Quincy merged into an active metropolitan city. Not 
only were we thus indirectly benefitted, but the road 
itself established here shops which have since employ- 
ed hundreds of men, built freight houses where a large 
number of laborers are constantly engaged; and in vari- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 253 

0U8 ways contributed to augment the j3opulation, and 
increase the wealth of our city. The next road con- 
Btructed in which Quincy had a deep interest, and 
which was a Quincy enterprise, was the road from 
Quincy to Meredosia, now a part of the 



TOLEDO, WABASH & WESTERN RAILWAY. 

This road was built under an act of the Legislature 
of Illinois, incorporating the Quincy and Toledo Rail- 
road, and the route of the road was the one orignally 
attempted by the Northern Cross Railroad Company, 
but w^hich was abandoned in consequence of opposition 
and difficulties met with. Subsequently, Hon. Jas. W. 
Singleton obtained a charter, and proceeded to con- 
struct the road from Camp Point in Adams County, to 
the Illinois river at Meredosia. In this enterprise, as 
in the one above quoted, General Singleton met with 
obstacles that seemed to threaten the success of the 
project, but w^ith that determination proverbial in him, 
he fought the road through, and not only completed 
and set it in operation, but also constructed a bridge 
for its use over the Illinois. 

Building a railroad then and now were vastly differ- 
ent undertakings. Then there was none of that enthu- 
siasm for them that prevails now, and those who had 
not experimented with them, nor knew the benefits to 
be derived from their construction, were disposed to 
stand aloof and withhold their aid and encouragement. 
Against all obstacles however that presented themselves 
Gen. Singleton, as wo have said, contended, until he 



254 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

constructed a road from Camp Point to the lUinoisj 
river. At the Illinois river it connected with what was 
called the Great ^Yestern Eailroad, and thus on to To- 
ledo and the seaboard. From Camy> Point to Quiuey 
its trains used the track of the C. B. & Q. E. R., and 
thus it gave us another route from Quincy to the east. 
The advantages thus secured cannot be over-estimated. 
Competition in through freight to and from the east 
followed, and our city was soon placed, as regards rail- 
roads and business facilities, on a par with St. Louis, 
and other western points. After various changes and 
consolidations, this road finally merged into the Tole- 
do, Wabash & Western Railway, which now forma an 
unbroken line from Quincy to the east. Like the C. B.& 
Q., this road is managed by experienced and thorough 
railroad men, and is equipped and stocked in a style un- 
eurpasseJ by any road in the Union. The last of our 
roads built was the Quincy & Palmj^ra, which has since 
merged into the 



HANNIBAL & ST. JOSEPH RAIL ROAD. 

This road is virtually the Quincy & St. Joseph, as 
most of its freight and business passes over the Quincy 
Railroad Bridge at this point. That part of the road 
known as the Quincy & Palmyra, and which was built 
by our citizens, although only twelve miles long, was a 
very important item to our city. The Hannibal & St. 
Joseph Railroad, which runs entirely across the State 
of Missouri had been built, and made its eastern termi- 
nus 'at Hannibal. It penetrated a country naturally 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 255 

tributary to Quincy, and was thus pouring into Hanni- 
bal the wealth and produce of this region. To check- 
mate this it required only twelve miles of railroad from 
Quincy to Palmyra, to connect us with the Hannibal 
& St. Joseph Eailroad, and thus afford our merchants 
and business men speedy communication with the citi- 
zens along its line. 

Our prominent citizens realizing the situation at once 
put their shoulders to the wheel, and the Quincy & 
Palmyra Eailroad Company was promptly organized, 
with Col. Samuel Holmes as its President. Unfortun- 
atel}^, it began operations in 1856, and about the time 
it commenced work in earnest the crisis of 1857 lower- 
ed upon the country, stagnating business, and retarding 
enterprises of every kind. Notwithstanding this the 
road was completed in 1859, and operated as an inde- 
pendent road for many years. In 1866 it was purchas- 
ed by the Hannibal & St. Joseph Eailroad, and thus we 
have an unbroken line from Quincy to St. Joseph, Mo., 
and thence on to the Pacific coast. 

This road is now one of the best constructed and 
safest roads in the country, and its management com- 
prises some of the most experienced and skillful rail- 
road men in the Union. 



EEMAEKS. 

It is difficult to estimate the benefits derived from 
these roads by our city. Each gives employment to a 
large number of men, and annually spends large sums 
of money. Their freight houses, machine shops, and 



256 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

offices are constantly alive with the din and bustle of 
business, and are a marked acquisition to our city. The 
amount of territory made tributary to Quincy by these 
iron ties, and the wealth and products annually brought 
here, are considerations of importance that must bo re- 
alized by every thinking citizen, and we should there- 
fore hail with delight every move to increase our facili- 
ties in this respect, and extend our present admirable 
system. 



HORSE RAILWAY. 



Quincy is decidedly an enterprising city, and is al- 
'wa3'S prompt to advantage herself of such modern im- 
provements as are calculated to advance her interests, 
or benefit her citizens. It was not strange, therefore, 
that she should follow in the wake of other metropoli- 
tan ciiies, and secure a horse railway. This enterprise 
was completed in the fall of 1867, and has been in ope- 
ration since. Although only a mile and a half long, it 
is well patronized, and cars run at intervals of half an 
hour during the da}', and until late at night. It is con- 
templated to extend it at an early day. 



HISTORY OF QTJINCY. 257 

OR, " MEN OP MARK " IN QUINCY. 



Few men have been more intimately identified with 
the progress and development of Quincy, than U. 9. 
Penfield, Cashier First National Bank. 

A native of New York, as early as 1838 he cast his 
fortunes with our city, locating here and engaging in 
the mercantile business. Subsequently he engaged in 
the milling business, and with John B. Brown, now de- 
ceased, erected the Star Mills, that stood near the cor- 
ner of Front and Spring streets, and were removed to 
give way to the C. B. & Q. R. R. depot and yards. Up- 
on the retirement of Mr. Clark, first cashier of the 
Quincy Savings Bank, now the First National, Mr. Pen- 
field was called to that responsible position, which he 
has filled for eleven years. His services in this position 
are known to the entire business community of Quincy, 
and the best evidence of their appreciation by the bank 
is to be found in his repeated election by its Directors, 
and the liberal salary paid him by the institution. 

Possessed of rare business qualifications, and devoted 
to the duties of his position, Mr. Penfield has as Cash- 
ier of the First National Bank, made a reputation as 
a skilled and thorough financier, and also won the con- 
fidence and esteem of every citizen of Quincy. 

17 



253 UISTOuY -OF QL'JNCY. 

favorite; routb sast 



BURLINGTON AND QUINCY 

RAILKOAD LINE. 

Passengers going East by this route have the advantage of 

3Tlirougli Express Tiiiins Daily 
FROM KANSAS CITY, ST, JOSEPH, AND QUINCY 
Making close and sure connections at ChieaRo with the Four Great 
Througli Lines to the East. 



ONLY ONE CHANGE OF OARS 

Froai Kansas City or Quincy to 

ll«GJBIlFllLLS,(;iEIIELIli8|yFfilL0,PIITSBySfi 

Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Columbus, 

miwii piii m mi, 

And other priiicipal points East. 



HISTORY OF QUiiNCY. 1:5^, 

BURLINGTON AND aUINGY 

RA!LROAD LINE. 



'THE ONLY ROAD FROM QUINCY 

Giving passengers a choice of three different route- 
to New York, with bat one change ofcai'8. 



Elegant Twelve-¥/heeled Coaches and Sleeping Cars 

Accompany all Express Trains. 

PMLM)ll'SMIii!BC[IITSiEEPlilliKIIR! 



Through Tickets Sold at all Principal Offices 

At as low Eates as by any other Eouto. 

BAGGAGE CHECKED THROUGH AND HANDLED FREE. 



Passengers going East should be particular to ^\sk for 
Tickets yia Chicago. 



ROBERT HARRIS, E. A. PARKER, 

Gen'l Sup't, Chicago. Gen. West. Pass. Agt., Chicrgo. 



260 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



PROJECTED RAILROADS. 



During the past year our citizens have taken steps to 
vastly strengthen and extend the railroad system of 
which Quincy is the center. At least three new roads 
have been projected, and are now placed upon a basis 
that guarantees their speedy completion. These roads 
are the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific, the Quincy & Car- 
thage, and the Quincy, Alton & St. Louis. In addition 
to these may also be mentioned the Mississippi & Mis- 
souri Eiver Air Line Railroad, whose organization is of 
an older date, and upon which considerable work has 
already been done. This also has its eastern terminus 
in this city. The 



QUINCY, MISSOURI & PACIFIC R. R. 

which may be emphatically called a Quincy institution, 
having first had life and stability infused into it by the 
genius and enterprise of our citizens, has progressed in 
public favor with wondrous rapidity ever since the for- 
mal organization of the company at Kirksville, in June 
last, and already the preliminary survey has been made, 
and the route is now being located. The length of the 
proposed line is estimated at 230 miles, and under the 
laws of Missouri relating to railroads, the necessary 
one thousand dollars per mile was subscribed, and five 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 261 

per cent, paid in at the date of organization. The route 
of the road is from West Quincy, thence north-west 
through the counties of Marion, Lewis, Knox via Edi- 
na, Adair via Kirksville, Sullivan, Grundy, Harrison, 
Gentry, Xodaway and Atchison, in the State of Missou- 
ri, to a point on the east bank of the Missouri river, 
opposite the city of Brownville, Nebraska. On the 
preliminary survey, recently completed, a very favor- 
able line was found from river to river, with a maxi- 
mum grade of sixty-six feet to the mile, and with easy 
curvatures throughout. 

Municipal subscriptions to the amount of $1,200,000 
have already been voted to this road, and arrangements 
made for taking the vote of other counties and town- 
ships for additional subscriptions to the amount of 
61,100,000. 

The Directors of this Company are Ex-Gov. Wood, 
C. A. Savage, Thomas Eedmond, Thomas Jasper, C. H. 
Bull, T. E. Selmes, C. M. Pomroy, Geo. Adams, John 
Winterbottom, W. C. Hillis, J. M.DeFrance, M. G. Eose- 
berry, and J. S. Church. The officers are Chas. A. Sav- 
age, Pres., Geo. S. King, Sec'y., C. H. Bull, Treas., and 
John H. Schermerhorn, Chief Engineer. 

Under the management and direction of citizens of 
such acknowledged energy and enterprise, it may be 
safely anticipated that the 1st of January, 1871 will 
find this road far on its way to completion, when anoth- 
er triumph in the consummation of Quincy's greatness 
will have been achieved. 



2G2 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

Not less progressive has been the 

QUINCY ct CAPvTHAGE E. E., 

Since the organization of that Company. Its Directors 
and Officers at once set to work with commendable 
energy, and have the completion of their road at an 
early date guaranteed beyond peradventure. This Com- 
pany also was the creation of the year 1870, and organ- 
ized with the following Directors : — O. C. Skinner, 
Thomas Jasper, Samuel E. Chittenden, Hiram G. Ferris 
and David A. Patterson. 

Hon. O. C. Skinner was chosen President, James M. 
Bishop, Sec'y., and Hiram G. Fen-is, Treasurer. 

The route of this road is almost due north from 
Quincy, passing through Mendon and Keene town- 
ships in Adams county, thence on tlirough St. Albans, 
Bear Creek and Prairie townships in Hancock county, 
to Carthage, where connections witii other roads are 
contemplated that will open up to Quincy a vast section 
of rich territory, besides affording her another railroad 
outlet to the lakes and seaboard. 

Some 8300,000 in subscriptions has been voted to this 
road, and w^e learn that w^ork will be commenced at 
once, grading and tieing the same, the survey being 
nearly completed. 

This will form an important item in our railroad sj^s- 
tem, and will pour into our city untold wealth and com- 
merce that has heretofore been isolated from the mar- 
ket. 



HISTORY OF QIUNCV. 263 

Another important road, and one that our business 
interests have long demanded, is the 



QUINCY, ALTON & ST. LOUIS [^ H. 

A company to construct this railroad was organized 
September 10th, 18G9, with the following Directors : — 
Jas. W. Singleton, Jl. S. Benneson, A. J. F. Prevost, 
Wm. Bowles, C. K. Curtis, Edward Wells, Eli Seehorn, 
Perry Alexander, and G. L. Iligbee. The officers are 
Jas. W. Singleton, Pres., Thomas T. Woodruff, Sec'y 
and Treasurer. 

All of the gentlemen identified with this road are 
men of untiring energy and enterprise, to several of 
whom our city is already indebted for many enterprises 
of a public character that have been potent in advanc- 
ing her in wealth or commercial prestige. Although 
the last of the companies organized the past year, it 
has prepared for earnest work, and a corps of cngineer» 
are in the field engaged in the preliminary survey. 

The route of this road will propably be almost due 
south, via Payson, Barry, and on to Alton and St. Louis. 
$200,000 has now been voted to the road by Adams 
county, while a considerable additional sum will un- 
doubtedly be voted by townships along the proposed 
route after the survey has been made. Several of the 
richest counties in the State will be penetrated by this 
road, and it will result in vast advantage to the trade 
and commerce of Quincy. A direct connection Avill 
also be formed with St. Louis, which cannot fail to 
prove mutually beneficial. 



264 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



MISSISSIPPI & MISSOUKI KIVEE AlE-LINE E. E. 

Although of older date than any of the above, properly 
comes within this article, it being now in process of con- 
struction. It also has its eastern teminus at Quincy, 
from which it runs north to LaGrange and Canton, 
and thence west to Memphis, &c. Considerable aid has 
been voted this road and the management are pushing 
it forward with vigor and industry. A large force of 
hands are now at work between Quincy and LaGrange, 
and it is anticipated that the road between Quincy and 
Canton will be ready for the iron the coming spring. 

With these roads completed, what an era of prosper- 
ity must dawn upon Quincy, and what strides she will 
make in the race for metropolitan superiority. Her 
trade must rapidly increase, her population largely aug- 
ment, her manufactures extend in every department 
until her commercial wealth and power declare her 
master of the upper Mississippi. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 265 

OR "MEN OF MARK*' IN QUINCT. 



The subject of this sketch ranks with the most en- 
terprising of our citizens, and has contributed his full 
share to the prosperity of Quincy. 

Wendelin Weber was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Grer- 
many, where he received his education, and also learn- 
ed the trade of a stone cutter. In 1838 he emigrated 
to the United States, and the same year located in 
Quincy. Arriving here without a dollar he at once ob- 
tained work at his trade, and by his energy and indus- 
try soon acquired sufficient means to establish himself 
in business as a contractor. At this he has been very 
successful, and in addition to erecting many buildings 
for others, and contracting extensively in the city, and 
on various railroads, Mr. Weber has also built several 
fine structures on his own account, that add materially 
to the wealth and beauty of Quincy. 

In 1867 Mr. Weber was elected a member of the City 
Council, and on the expiration of his term in 1869, w^as 
re-elected to the same position. As a member of this 
body he has been active and energetic, and has efficient- 
ly served the city. Generous and public spirited, no 
citizen of Quincy has been more earnest in advancing 
her interests than Wendelin Weber. 



2GG HISTORY OF QXJJNCY. 

l^issouri, Kansas, Sfebraska, Colorado, Wew T/lex- 
ico, Utah, Idaho, Sfevada, California, 

Should liiiy licketi via the short route 

MMilBIL d II 1 




DAILY EXPRESS TRAINS 

From Quincy or Macon to St. Joseph, 



ALSO DIRECT TO 



KANSAS CITY! 

IVitJiout Change of Cars ! 



Connections are close and dirtct for 

JLtoliison!, 'WETestoii, 

AND 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 267 

Other Connections are made 

At St. Joseph with St. Joseph & Council Bluffs R.R. 



AT OMAHA WITH 

NEBRASKA UNION PACIFIC U. R. FOR FORT 
KEARNEY, CHEYENNE, UINTAH, PROM- 
ONTORY, SACRAMENTO, SAN 
FRANCISCO, ifcc, 

And at Cheyenne with Daily Overland Stages for Denver, Central 
City, Salt Lake, and the Mining Regions. 

At Kansas City with Kansas Pacific Kailway for 
LAWRENCE, OTTAWA, TOPEKA, FORT RILEY. JUNCTION CITY, FORT DAYS, miim, 

Daily Overland Coaches via Smoky Hill Route leave the Western 
Terminus Kansas Pacific Railway for 

Denver, Central City, Santa Fe, 

And all Points in the Mining Regions. 

At Kansas City with Mo. Eiver, Ft. Scott & Gulf R. R. for 

FT. SCOTT, CHEROKEE NEUTRAL LANDS, FT. GIBSON, 



Th[Qugl] liclels for Sa!e a! all ]ic^.el Offices ! 

P. B. GROAT, General Ticket Agt. 

GEORGE H. NETTLETON, General Siip't. 



268 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



JF*. D* Sgmsmmbsmqs^, Qb^. iiGT. T. W»<^ W.E. W>» 



OR, '' MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY. 



None of the young men of Quincy who have figured 
in business circles possess in a greater degree the con- 
fidence and esteem of our citizens than Frank D. Scher- 
merhorn, General Agent Toledo, Wabash & Western 
Railway at this point. 

A native of New York, he came to Quincy in 1852, 
and for a time engaged with his brother, John 11, Scher- 
merhorn, present Chief Engineer of the Q. M. & P. E. 
R., in the survey of the Northern Cross, now the C. B. 
& Q. R. R. Upon the completion of this road he serv- 
ed in the capacity of ticket agent at this point for a 
Bhort time, which position he yielded to accept that of 
bookkeeper in the Quincy Savings Bank. This position 
he retained for a number of years, rendering eminent 
satisfaction to his employers, and resigned to embark 
in the commission business. Soon after his rare worth 
and business qualifications received a marked recogni- 
tion at the hands of the Merchants' Despatch Company, 
by which he was called to the responsible position 
of Superintendent of its western division, with head- 
quarters at Indianapolis. This position he resigned to 
accept the General Agency of the T. W. & W. R. W. at 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 26^ 

Quincy, which he now fills, administering its affairs 
with jealous care for the interests of the company, and 
with eminent satisfaction to our citizens. 

Indefatigable in the discharge of the duties intrusted 
to him, and ever faithful to the interests of his employ- 
ers, Mr. Schermerhorn has never found it necessary to 
seek a position, nor has he ever proved unequal to any 
in which he has been placed. 



270 lirSTORY OF QUINCY. 



RIVER COMMERCE. 



iSTotwithstaiiding the superior railroad fucilitios en- 
joyed by Quincy, her cilizons are not unmindful of the 
vast advantage Ave possess in having the great Father 
of Waters flowing before us, and affording us cheap 
transportation north and south. The facilities offered 
are annually improving, and for nine months of the 
year we have three or four steamers passing each way 
daily. The St. Louis & Keokuk and Northern Line 
Packet Com.panies' magnificent steamers are at our 
wharf dail}^ during the season of navigation; and do 
a large business in carrying freight and passengers to 
and from our city. 

In addition to these we have also the boats of the 
Eagle Company, plying regularly between Quincy and 
Keokuk, and transient boats to points above and below. 

The accommodations provided by these steamers, for 
passengers and shippers, are not excelled by any lines 
in the Union, and hence the large amount of paj^ronage 
extended to them. The following are the regular steam- 
ers plying to and from our city, and the number of 
through trips made during the season of 18G9. 

ST. LOUIS & KEOKUK PACKET CO. 

FROM ST. LOUIS TO KEOKUK. 

WAia* OF STEAMER. NO. OF iraPS. 

J. H.Johnson 82 

Andy Johnson 80 

Rob Roy 79 

Lucy Bertram 4 

Bayard 2 



HISTORY OF QUlxNCY. 271 

XOKTIIERX LINE PACKET COMPANY. 

FROM ST. LOUIS TO ST. PAUL. 

^Linnesota 18 

Minneapolis* 11 

Sucker State 20 

Hawkeye State 10 

Dubuque 17 

Canada 9 

Davenport 3 

Phil Sheridan 10 

Tom Jasper 19 

Milwaukee IG 

City of St. Paul 16 

:\[ollie McPike 18 



EAGLE PACKET COMPANY. 

FROM QUINCY TO KEOKUK. 

Grey Eagle 260 

Little Eagle 7 

In addition to these there were a, number of transient 
steamers and snialler craft, of which no record is kept. 
No accurate statement of the receipts and shipments 
from Quincy by these steamers can be obtained, but 
the business done by them in a season is enormous. 



THE QITINCY FEPJIY COMPANY 

Also keeps two boats in active service liere, crossing- 
freight and passengers over the river. Capt. John Tay- 
lor is the owner and manager of this line, and has two 
staunch boats, the Rosa Taylor and Quincy. 



272 HISTORY OF QUINCY 



JQSEPM D. LEW» Ls^BitYG MBBGsa^tr» 



OR, "MEN OF MARK IN QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch is the head of one of the 
most extensive jobbing houses in the city. 

Joseph D. Levy is a native of Germany, where he 
was born in 1830. Eeceiving a business education at 
Stuttgard, at the age of nineteen he emigrated to the 
United States, locating at Louisville in 1849. After re- 
maining there four years in the mercantile and import- 
ing business, he was called by the death of his father 
to Germany. Returning almost immediately to Louis- 
ville, he resumed the mercantile business, and remained 
there until 1855, when he removed to Canton, Mo., and 
there opened a dry goods house. In August, 1869, he 
came to Quincy, and in connection with S. J. Lesem, 
Isaac Lesem, Emil Lev}^, and Gustav Levy, established 
the firm of J. D. Levy & Co., opening one of the most 
extensive wholesale clothing houses in the west. 

Shrewd, sagacious, and untiring in business, prosper- 
ity has attended Mr. Levy in all his enterprises, and 
this last promises to meet with a success greater than 
any of his former undertakings. 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 273 

OR ''MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



As commander of the fi\mons steamer J. H. Johnson, 
and as representative of the St. Louis & Keokuk Pack- 
et Company, whose boats have for twenty-eight years 
plied to and from our city. Capt. Fi S. Lee is well and 
favorably known to our business community. 

A native of Kentucky, Capt. Lee commenced life in 
mercantile pursuits, but in 1S50 accepted a position as 
clerk of a steamboat. From 1S50 to 1S65 he continued 
on the river, most of the time being in the emplov of 
the St. Louis & Keokuk Packet Co. In the latter year 
he located at Quincy and opened a livery stable. He 
remained here but nine months, when he resumed 
eteamboating, commanding a boat in the Memphis & 
Little Eock trade. In 1S67 he was again called into 
the service of the St. Louis & Keokuk Co., and placed 
in command of the steamer J. H. Johnson,' which posi- 
tion he still retains. In addition to his duties as com- 
mander during the season of navigation, Capt. Lee du- 
ring the winter months has charge of the company's 
boats at this point, superintending their repairs, &c. 

An experienced and faithful officer, a popular and ac- 
complished gentleman, Capt. Lee is esteemed wherever 
he is known for his rare traits of character, and is i-ec- 
ognized by our entire community as a valuable citizen 
of Quincy. 

is 



274 HISTORY OF QUIKCY. 

OR "MEN OF xMARK" IN QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch has iu a residence of six- 
teen years proven a valuable citizen, and a sagacious 
and successful business man. Josiah T. Bradford is a 
native of Maine, where he passed the period of his life 
until he was twenty-eight 3'ears of age. Before leaving 
his native State he engaged in the lumber business, and 
acquired a thorough knowledge of the same. In 1854 
he came to Quincy, and w^ith his brother, J. "VY. Brad- 
ford, embarked in the livery business, and continued at 
it with marked success until 1S64. 

Previous to retiring from this business, in connection 
with Eobert W. McCoy and J. W. Bradford, he estab- 
lished the firm of Bradford, McCoy & Co., and opened 
an extensive lumber yard in this city. About the same 
time this firm also purchased large tracts of land in the 
pineries of Wisconsin, and established mills for the 
manufacture of lumber. At present they manufacture 
on an extensive scale at these mills, and annually bring 
to our market large quantities of lumber, lath and shin- 
gles. The past year this firm also established a yard 
and planing mills at West Quincy, opposite this city, 
from which they supply the w^estern trade. Their bus- 



HISTORY OF QUIxNCY. 275 

ines3 has now grown to magnificent proportions, and 
in order to more speedily supply the demands made uj) 
on them from the west, they are about establishing 
branch yards at Fort Scott, Kansas, and Brownville, 
Nebraska. Their sales for 1869 were 7,000,000 feet of 
lumber, 4,000,000 shingles, and 1,000,000 lath. Com- 
posed of men of strict integrity and hirge business ex- 
perience, this firm is but in the beginning of its pros- 
perity, and gives promise of largely augmenting its 
trade in the future. 

In addition to his services as a leading business man 
Mr. Bradford has also at all times evinced commendable 
public spirit in aiding and encouraging railroads, and 
other enterprises, and served the city eflS.ciently as 
member of the Council from 1864 to 1866: 



276 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



CEMETERIES. 



In the location and arrangement of its cemeteries, 
Quiney displays the same refined taste that has prevail- 
ed in all her public and private improvements. To the 
Bouth, beautiful " Woodland," with its treasure of de- 
parted hopes interred, sleeps calmly on the proud 
hills that overlook the broad Mississippi, and as that 
grand old river marches with a dirge-like tread to the 
Bea, the murmur of its rippling waves is answered by 
the rustle of the tall oaks that tower like faithful senti- 
nels in this charmed "City of the Dead." 

To the east are the Catholic cemeteries, and to the 
north, also overlooking the river, is that of the Hebrew 
eocietles. In all, the genius and skill of the sculptor 
and artist have been lavishly employed to commemo- 
rate the virtues and adorn the graves of the cherished 
dead. 

Peculiarly beautiful however is Woodland, with its 
graveled roads, winding paths and tufted mounds. — 
Musing there, one wonders how nature could have been 
jnore faithful in molding a home for those who, having 
lought life's varied battles, sink into that sleep whose 
waking is immortality, 



HISTORY OP QUINCY. 277 

ME^'MT FM^-X-M» ^m^si^e MBSGss^r» 

OR, " MEN OF MARK " Ix\ QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch has resided onXy a short 
time in Quincy, but since locating here has by his thor- 
ough integrity, rare business qualifications and marked 
enterprise, won the confidence and esteem of all our 
citizens. As a partner in the old and established house 
of Spiegel, Thorns & Co., extensive furniture manufac- 
turers of Indianapolis, Mr. Frank came to Quincy in 
1867, and established a branch house, opening with a 
magnificent stock in the commodious building that then 
stood on the present site of the Evening Journal office. 
Scarcely a year had elapsed before a disastrous confla- 
gration swept away this establishment, destroying 
nearly its entire contents, and entailing a heavy loss 
upon the firm. Undismayed by this stern visitation, 
Mr. Frank, as the representative of the firm, at once 
secured the imposing business edifice now occupied by 
the firm, promptly filled it with a more extensive and 
more valuable stock than that previously carried by 
the house, and proceeded to repair the damage and re- 
cover the losses caused by the fire. His career had 
been marked by such unwavering integrity and com- 
mendable enterprise, that in the effort to recuperate the 
business of his firm, and again establish it as a perma- 



278 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

nent institution of Qiiincy, he was seconded by the en- 
couragement of our leading citizens, and it was soon 
in operation in new quarters upon a more extended 
scale than ever. 

Since then the house of Spiegel, Thorns & Co. has 
prospered beyond the most sanguine ex2:)ectations of 
its founders, and is now one of the leading institutions 
of Quincy. From the extensive manufactories of the 
firm in Indianapolis, the house in this city is constantly 
supplied with the finest and best furniture made in the 
west, and is thus enabled to offer decided advantages 
in quality and price to its patrons. Managed by Mr. 
Frank, who is thoroughly versed in the business, the 
house has now built up an extensive trade in Western 
Illinois, North Missouri and Southern Iowa, and is des- 
tined to still greater success in the future. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 279 



;^W&TI^ BEQQMS^ EmiTQM "Qus^QV Mmms^s»' 



Oa "MEN OF MARK" IN QUI NOT. 



We have spoken elsewhere of the "Press" of Quincy 
and its character and infliiencej and come now to one 
who has figured for over a quarter of a century as edi- 
tor of one of our leading journals. 

Austin Brooks was born at Cincinnati, from whence 
he migrated to Illinois with his parents, when only four 
years of age. His early years were passed in a print- 
ing office, his father having established and published 
successively the Illinois State Gazette, at Jacksonville, 
and the Alton Commercial Gazette, in the city of that 
name. After years of experience in his father's print- 
ing offices, being yet quite young, he was sent to Mc- 
Kendrie College, at Lebanon, 111., but remained only 
one year, when he embarked on a New Orleans steam- 
er, with the intention of becoming an engineer. At 
this he continued only a short time, when, coming to 
Quincy on a steamboat in 1842, he left the river, and 
commenced work in the Herald office, which was then 
owned by his uncle, John H. Pettit, who also establish- 
ed the Herald. Since then Mr. Brooks has been, with 
scarce an interruption, connected with the Herald as 
chief editor, and was for many years one of the propri- 
etors of the establishment. 



230 HISTORY OF QUINCr. 

An original and powerful writer, he early attained 
prorainonco as a journalist, and has been for years rec- 
ognized as one of the first political writers of the State. 
A zealous partisan and unflinching Democrat, his time, 
talents and money have at all times been at the service 
of his party, and few men have w^orked more devotedly 
in the political arena than Austin Brooks. Although 
repeatedly declining political honors or emoluments, 
ho has served in the legislature of the State, and as 
Post Master of Quincy. At present editor of the Her- 
ald^ in which position he has passed more than a score 
of years, his vigorous and ready pen is a power for good 
in the community, while his forcible writings are read 
throughout the west, where he has made his mark aa 
one of the ablest editors of the day. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 281 



EXECUTIONS. 



For a city of its population tlie criminal record of 
Quincy has at all times presented an agreeably brief 
appearance, and as a rule, we have escajied the gravo 
crimes that usually shock metropolitan communities. 
The moral character and intelligence of our citizens 
have guarded Quincy in this respect, and have given 
her a reputation for peace and quiet enjoyed by but 
few citizens of 40,000 inhabitants. In a period of thirty- 
six years, and in fact from its first settlement as a town, 
only two executions have occurred in our city, and these 
were in each instance for murders committed in the 
county. 

The first was the execution of Thomas C. Bennett, 
who was found guilty of the murder of John Williams, 
in 1834. The murder was a cold blooded aifair, and 
Bennett, who was a desperate character, expiated his 
crime on the gallows, Monday, December 22d, 1834. — 
The scene of the execution was about the spot now oc- 
cupied by Dr. Sturgiss' residence. 

From that date until 1861, the gallows was not again 
called into requisition in Quincy. In the latter year, 
Attison Cunningham and Nelson Cunningham murder- 
ed in cold blood a feeble old man named Harrison, who 
lived some miles south of Quincy, and was supposed to 
possess some money. For this great crime Attison 



282 HISTORY OP QXJINCY. 

Cunningham swung from a gallows in the rear of the 
court house, Friday morning, Nov. 29th, 18G1. 

The hanging of Eoe, the bushwhacker, in 18G5 by a 
mob, presents the only instance we believe where our 
citizens have taken the law into their own hands, and 
is the only stain upon our character as a law abiding 
communit}'. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 283 



^mmmMMM BW8M^mLL» msq,» 



IN QUINCY. 



It is hardly necessary to preface this sketch with the 
assertion of the eminent ability, marked services, and 
irreproachable character of its subject. His achieve- 
ments as a prominent and public spirited citizen of 
Quincy are as household words in the community^ 
while his great qualities of head and heart displayed in 
social life are not less familiar. 

A native of Connecticut, Nehemiah Bushnell received 
his education in that State, graduating at Yale College 
in 1835. Entering Harvard Law School, he passed the 
greater portion of the years 1836-7 in this institution, 
and then returning home completed his law studies in 
the office of Samuel Ingham, then one of the most emi- 
nent lawyers of New England. 

Admitted to the bar in 1837, he immediately came 
west, locating at Quincy. On the 20th of December, in 
the same year, he commenced the practice of law with 
his present partner, Hon. O. 11. Browning: and this 
professional association has since continued without in- 
terruption. Shortly after establishing himself here the 
publication of the Quincy Whig was commenced, and 
Mr. Bushnell, assisted b}' Andrew Johnson, also an at- 



284 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

torney, conducted its editorial department, both volun- 
leering their services. Subsequently these gentlemen 
surrendered their editorial responsibilities, and Mr. 
Bushnell has since devoted himself exclusively to hia 
profession. 

As a lawyer he promptly took rank as the peer of 
the most gifted men in the State, and adding to his 
native powers, untiring energy and industry, soon at- 
tracted a large and lucrative practice. This he retains 
to the present day. 

Although zealously devoted to his profession, and in- 
defatigable in the interests of his clients, Mr. Bushnell 
has engaged largely in public enterprises for the ad- 
vancement of Quincy. As President of the Northern 
Cross Eailroad for many years, and the Quincy Eailroad 
Bridge Company, he was instrumental in achieving for 
our city two of the grandest enterprises in its history 
and progress. An active friend of education and science 
he has aided materially in their development, while in 
promoting the religious and moral status of Quincy his 
efforts have been not less marked. In brief, no one cit- 
izen has accomplished more for Quincy, and none is 
more justly or more universally esteemed than Nehe- 
miah Bushnell. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 285 



OR, "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



While many of our citizens have been eminent in 
law, polities, and commerce, the subject of this sketch 
18 perhaps more widely known than any of them, in 
consequence of his great achievements as a public spi- 
rited citizen, and distinguished character as a man. 

Hon. James W. Singleton is a native of Virginia, 
from whence, after finishing his education, he removed 
to Indiana, being then only 17 years old. Remaining 
only one year in the Iloosier State, he came to Illinois, 
locating in Schuyler county. Here he practiced medi- 
cine for a while, and also devoted hims»^lf to the study 
of law. Subsequently he farmed successfully, and while 
thus engaged, was elected twice to the Legislature, and 
also to the Constitutional convention of 1848, from 
Schuj'ler county. During the Mormon troubles at 
Nauvoo, he was assigned by the Governor of the State 
command of the military ordered to that point, and re- 
mained there until the troubles were satisfactorily ad- 
justed. 

In 1852 he came to Qnincy, and at once identified 
himself with eveiy enterprise promising advantage to 
our city. Earnestly advocating the necessity of rail- 



286 HISTORY OF QUINCY. 

roads, he was untiring in his efforts to secure them to 
Qiiincy, and singly and alone constructed the road from 
Camp Point to the Illinois Eiver at Meredosia. Only 
the indomitable energy and determination of the man 
could have accomplished this great success. 

lie served one term in the Legislature as representa- 
tive from Adams county, and through his influence in 
that body accomplished much for Quincy. His mission 
to Eichmond during the war is known to the whole 
country. Honestly opposed to the war, and believing 
it to be all wrong, he declined positions of honor and 
emolument in the army, and remained quietly at home. 
An intimate and warm friend of President Lincoln, and 
believing that there Avere better means of obtaining 
peace than through war, at the request of the President 
he visited Piichmond, in the hope of dissuading the Con- 
federates from continuing the fratricidal struggle, with 
a view to an amicable settlement of the difficulties. 
From causes bej^ond his control the mission failed, and 
after twice visiting the Confederate capital, he returned 
to Quincy. Here he enjoyed the quiet and luxurj' of 
his beautiful suburban residence and farm, " Boscobel," 
until the fall of 1868, when he was unanimously nom- 
inated by the Democracy of the Fourth Congressional 
District as their candidate for Congress. Notwithstand- 
ing his great personal popularity, and the fact that ho 
lead his ticket in almost every township, the political 
complexion of the district was so strongly Eepublican, 
that he met with defeat. Since then he has devoted 
his time to his farm, but recently has taken hold of an- 
other enterprise that promises largely to benefit Quin- 
cy. This is the Quincy, Alton & St. Louis Railroad, of 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 287 

which ho is President, and which ho is getting into 
shape for speedy construction. 

Thus identified with nearly all our public enterprises, 
and filling many places of honor and trust, few men 
have been so eminently valuable to Quincy as Hon. 
James AY. Singleton, and none rank him in the admira- 
tion and esteem of the citizens of Quincy, and the State 
of Illinois. 



288 HISTORY OF QUINOY. 



M* JT. TWB^EUm Ee^bs^G Mii^lfFdGTUSES» 



OR "MEN OP MARK" IN QUI NOT. 



In a brief residence in Quincy, the subject of this 
fiketch has displayed a vigor, enterprise and ability in 
business that have made him a marked man in the com- 
munity. 

Coming to Quincy in 1862, he established the house 
of Turner, YanHorn & Co., which at once commenced 
the manufacture of tobacco on an extensive scale. — 
Since then this has grown to be one of the most im- 
portant of our manufacturing interests, employing an- 
nually several hundred hands, and adding materially to 
our wealth and population. In addition to operating 
extensively in tobacco, Mr. Turner engaged in packing 
pork one season, and as in his regular business made it 
decided 1}^ profitable. 

The owner at present of the largest factory in Quin- 
cy, and a man of wealth, Mr. Turner is one of the most 
liberal and enterprising of our citizens, and is univers- 
ally esteemed as an energetic and sagacious business 
man, and an accomplished and thorough gentleman. 



HISTORY o>' guiNcy. 



289 



CITY GOVERNxMENT. 



18^4. 



MAYOK. 

THOMAS REDMON I). 



First 



ALDERMEN. 

Ward — Matthias Oueht, 



Second ' 


' —Moses Jacobs. 




Third • 


' — Maitland Boon. 






Vaeaney of A. C. Mar»;h, 


deceased. 


(( i 


' —Michael McVay. 




Fourth ' 


' —Daniel C. Wood. 




Fifth 


' — John Smith. 




Sixth * 


' —Henry A. Geisr, 





1805. 





MAYOR. 


G 


F. W^ALDHAUS. 




ALDERMEN. 


First W^ard— John Whitbkeab. 


Second 


<» — Maitland Boon. 


Third 


" — Wm. Schrieber. 


Fourth 


" — LUDWIQ SCHROEDER. 


Fifth 


" — Clemens Kathman 


Sixth 


" — John Hutton. 



19 



290 



niSTORY OF QUINCY. 



1866. 
MAYOR. 

M. BOON. 

ALDERMEN'. 

First Ward— J. A. Syltestkr. 



Second 


' ~ J. T. Bradford. 


THrd 


' — C. H. Curtis. 


Fourth 


' — Wm. Tansman. 


Fifth 


' —Thomas Kedmond. 


Sixth 


' — C. A. Va^dknBoom 



1867. 

MAYOR. 

JAMES M. PITMAN. 

ALDERMEN. 

First AVard — F. H. Aldrich. 
Second " — G. H. Davis. 
Third " — L. F. Lakey. 
Fourth " — John Tillson. 
Fifth " — Wendelin Weber. 
JSixth " — E. W. B. Newby. 



1868. 





mayor 




P. W.LANE. 




aldermen. 


First AVard— H. S. Osborn. 




Resigned April 5th 


Second 


" _Wm. Gray. 


Third 


" —Philip Steinbach. 


Fourth 


«' — F. W. Menke. 


Fifth 


" —Thomas Kedmond. 


Sixth 


" — J. G. Rowland. 



HISTORY OF QUI.NOY. 



291 



1869. 

MAYOR. 

B. F. BERRIAN. 



ALDERMEN. 

First Ward — Henry Meisssr. 
«{ u — W. S. M. Anderson. 

To fill vacancy of Osborn, resigneii. 
Second " —I. H. Miller. 
Third " — Albert Beebk. 
Fourth " — John Tillson. 
Fifth " — Wendelin Wkpkr. 
Sixth -' —A. E. Wheat. 



292 HISTORV OF QllJNCY 



mojff. wm^Mm^ mmmmQMB^ 



IN QIJINCY. 



In reviewing the history and experienccB of the 
prominent men of our city, few if any will be found 
who commenced the struggle of life with brilliant pros- 
pects. Most of those who have achieved success here 
purchased it through years of industry and labor, but 
nevertheless it came steadily and surely. Such is the 
history and experience of the subject of this sketch. 

Thomas Redmond is a native of Ireland, from whence 
he emigrated to the United States when only sixteen 
years of age. Thus early he was thrown upon his own 
resources, and locating in Vermont he obtained em- 
ployment at whatever offered. After passing several 
years in New England, he resolved to seek a home in 
the west. Visiting St. Louis, He started up the Missis- 
sippi, and after a brief sojourn in Burlington, Iowa, and 
Galena, Illinois, he returned down the river and located 
in Quincy in 1837. Without capital and among stran- 
gers, but young and vigorous, he at once obtained em- 
ployment here. Industrious and energetic, success at- 
tended him, and he soon accumulated capital enough 
to purchase a few horses, carts, wagons, &c., and in 
company with the late Samuel Holmes anci Wm. Shan- 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 293 

nahan, obtuined a contract for grading on the old 
Northern Cross Railroad, between Quincy and Clayton. 
At this business he continued with success for many 
years, being at different times member of the firms of 
Holmes, Eedmond & Shannahan, Eedmond, Donlevy 
& Co., Redmond, Powers k Smith, and Redmond & 
Holmes. While thus engaged he invested largely in 
real estate in and adjoining Quincy, which increased 
in value with the growth of the city. 

In 1848 he was elected to the City Council, and since 
then has been with the exception of two or three years 
a member of that body. In 1860, upon the resignation 
of Mayor Woodruff, he w^as elected to fill the vacancy 
almost without opposition. For the three successivd 
terms following, he was also elected to the office of 
mayor, and resigned in 1864, to accept a seat in the 
Legislature to which he had been chosen. Now the 
veteran of the City Council, in which he has served for 
twenty-one years as alderman and mayor, he is recog- 
nized as a valuable servant of the city. Enterprising 
and liberal, he has been among the forem*oat of our cit- 
izens in advancing the commercial and social status of 
Quincy. Possessed of large wealth, he has employed 
it to improve the city in which he accumulated it, and 
has added a number of handsome structures to the bus- 
iness portion of Quincy. 

A man of iron will and stern integrity, he seldom 
fails to accomplish what he undertakes, and few men 
have had a more successful career, while none stand 
higher in the esteem of its citizens. 



294 HISTORY OF Ql'INCY. 



MQjf» o. r. ^MIA^yMM» 



OR "MEN OF mark" IN QUINCY. 



The subject of this sketch is another of the promineDfc 
raen whose pre-eminent genius and mighty iniellect ha» 
shone out in that illustrious bodj* — the bar of Quincj. 

O. C. Skinner was born in Oneida County, New York^ 
where he remained until the age of fifteen, when he 
made a trip to the Indian country of Lake Superior,^ 
and the north. Subsequently he visited Prairie du 
Chien, Chicago and Milwaukee, remaining a short time 
in each of these localities. He then settled in Peoria 
County, in this State, and tried farming for a time, after 
which he went to Cincinnati, in 1839, and commenced 
the study of law. Being admitted to the bar in 1841, 
he practiced for a short time in that State, but in 1842 
came to Illinois, and located at Carthage. There he re- 
mained until 1844, when he took up his residence in 
this city. 

Before coming to Quiucy however, his reputation as 
an able and profound lawyer had been established, and 
in 1851, he was elected to the bench of this circuit, In 
1855 his great legal attainments received a more mark- 
ed recognition, he being called to the Supreme Bench 



HISTORY OP QUI^CY, 295 

of the State. Previous to this he hud ul8o served one 
term in the Legislature, and in every position to which 
he was called by his friends and admirers, he was found 
not only equal to the emergency, but eminently the 
right man in the right place. 

Retiring from the Supreme Bench, Judge Skinner be- 
came an active and influential leader in the Democratic 
party of Illinois, and although political honors were at 
all times within his grasp, he never advantaged himself 
of his opportunities in this respect. The past year, 
however, he was elected by the democracy of Adams 
County a delegate to the Convention to remodel the 
Constitution of Illinois, in which capacity he is now 
serving his constituents and the State in the most re- 
sponsible position of that distinguished body, viz., as 
Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. 

Quincy boasts no more distinguished or more valu- 
able citizen than Judge Skinner. Full of public spirit 
and enterprise, he was among the earliest advocates of 
our railroad system, and having aided in the comple- 
tion of the three roads that at present enter the city, 
he is now President of a fourth, the Quincy and Car- 
thage Kailroad, which by his energy and tact he has 
placed upon the road to speedy construction. 

Generous, impulsive, and earnest, a zealous and un- 
tiring lawyer, a warm and devoted friend, and an un- 
comprising Democrat, such is Hon. O. C Skinner. 



21)6 HIteTOKV OK QtlNCY. 



^M@^ &MEM^% MSQ.» 



o« *=>JK?( 1'' mark" in qriNCT. 



Pew mou have rendered more valuable servico to 
Quincy than the subject of this sketch, 

Amos Green was born in York Co., Pennsylvania, 
from whence he migrated to Quincy in 1836, being then 
not quite twonty-one years of age. Shortly after his 
arrival here he purchased a saw mill that stood on the 
site of the present 0. B. k Q. K. E. freight depot. This 
enterprise not proving very successful or profitable, it 
was abandoned after one year's experience, and Mr. 
Green then followed the carpenter trade, at which ho had 
served an apprenticeship. In 1845 he embarked in the 
lumber business, in which he was remarkably success- 
ful, building up an extensive trade, and acquiring large 
wealth. Mr. Green continued in this business here to 
within a ik'iXN years, and is novv senior partner of a firm 
operating in Chicago. 

A man of marked sagacity and powerful mind, Mr. 
Green early took rank as an influential citizen, and has 
been identified with every public measure originated in 
Quincy. He served several years as a member of the 
City Council, and was one of the most efficient and val- 
uable members of that body. His name has several 
tiraf-.H been mentioned in connection with other political 



HISTORY OF QIJINCY. 297 

positions, and although importuned to become a candi- 
date, he has invariably declined. Ho was however the 
candidate for mayor on the Eepublican ticket in 1864, 
but the city being strongly democratic was defeated. 

At all times an active and energetic citizen, Mr, 
Green has employed his wealth to improve and beautify 
the city in which he acquired it, and has erected some 
of the handsomest business structures in Quincy, In 
all respects he is one of its "men of mark." 



298 BlgTORY OF Ql)l>JCY. 



CONCLUSION 



In concluding this review of the progrees of Quincj 
from its first settlement, while apologising for our in- 
ability to make a more faithful and complete exhibit, 
we have no fears of a comparison with the history of 
any city of its age and size in the Union. If commer- 
cial power, prestige in manufactures, moral and social 
elevation, religious and educational advancement are 
the true indications of healthy and vigorous progress, 
then has Quincy reached an eminence among her me- 
tropolitan sisters that entitles her to bravely inscribe 
upon her escutcheon the name of "Model City," and 
claim it as her own. But the achievements of the future 
must dim even the brilliancy of her past record as a 
city. Great in everything worthy and noble, her thrif- 
ty inhabitants will continue their efforts to augment 
her power for good, and each succeeding year will find 
her steadily increasing in usefulness and wealth. The 
past should be an index of the future, and if in record- 
ing what has been accomplished by the genius and en- 
ergy of her people in years gone by, those of to-day be 
nerved to consummate the work of giving Quincy a 
pre-eminent position among the commercial and manu- 
facturing centers of the Union, then will we at lea&t 
feel that this little volume was not published in vain. 



HJ8TORY OF QCJNCT. 29S^ 



W£J^M>^mB MSTMS, m8Q.» 



OB, ''MEN OF MARK IN Ql.MNCT. 



The subject of this sketch lias passed nearly half a 
ceuturj within the present limits of the city of Quincy^ 
and in that period has watched her progress with a 
jealous eye. 

Willard Keyes is a native of Yennont, where he was 
born in 1792. Leaving his native state in 1817, he pro- 
ceeded to Prairie du Chien, where he remained one year 
and a half, being employed during that time in teach- 
ing the French settlers and half-breed Indians. De- 
Bceuding the river in the spring of 1820, after a voyage 
of two weeks Mr. Keyes landed at Clarksville, Mo. 
After a summer's experience with the fever and ague, 
he started on a tour of exploration with John AYood, 
whose acquaintance he formed about this time, going 
up the Illinois, and down the Mississippi river. Visit- 
ing St. Louis, he sold his raft and proceeded from thera 
to Calhoun county in this state, and spent the winter 
teaching school. In the spring of 182-4 he arrived in 
Quincy, and joined his friend, John Wood, who had pre- 
viously settled here. Mr. Keyes at once erected a 
house, which was the second built upon the site of tte 
present city of Quincy. From that time to the present 



/ 

300 HISTORY OF QL'INCY. 

day, he has manifested a deep interest in the prosperity 
of thecity, of which he helped lay the foundation. At 
present, advanced beyond the age alloted to man, ho still 
views with pride the strides of our city iu commerce, 
arts, and sciences. A pure christian and upright citi- 
zen, Willard Keyes is reverenced by the entire commu- 
nity as one of the "Fathers of Quiney," which he may 
be justly called. 



HISTORY OF QUINCY, 



301 



INDEX. 



Preface , 3 

Historical 5 

Manufacturing and Commercial 
Interests 15 

Manufactures. 

Flour 23 

Tobacco 29 

Machine Shops 33 

Foundries 35 

Stores 36 

Breweries 41 

Paper 42 

Distilleries 54 

Carriages 55 

Boiler and Sheet Iron Works (50 

Gas 64 

Wagons. Plows Ac 71 

Planing Mills 72 

Brick 73 

Saidles and Haruoss 80 

Ice 81 

Agricultural Implements 95 

Saw Mill 112 

Broom Factory 112 

Printing 115 

Hair Work 115 

Pork Packing 118 

Rectifiers 121 

Soda Factories 121 

Furniture 124 

Organs 124 

Fruit and Pickle Factory 127 

Rope and Twine 127 

Book Binders 129 

Boots and Shoes , 129 

Confectioners 133 

Marble Works 133 

Chairs 137 

Engraving 137 

Match Factories 137 

Tannery 141 

Hoop Skirt Manufacturers 141 

Horse Collars 141 

Blacksmiths 145 

Gunsmiths 145 

Coopers 148 



Baskets 148 

Tin and Copper Workers 161 

Soap, Candles <fec 151 

Merchant Tailoring 154 

Photographers If 4 

Cigars 157 

Watchmakers and Jewelers....l57 

Bakers 160 

Baking Powder, 160 

Bags 163 

Miscellaneous Mannfactures-IGS 

Mkrcantile. 

Dry Goods and Notions lo7 

Grocery Trade 171 

Hardware and Iron.. 174 

Drugs 176 

Boots and Shoes 1'? 

Books and Stationery 17J) 

Hats snd Caps 182 

Millinery Goods 182 

China, Glass, &c 184 

Agricultural Implements, 18 1 

Clothing 187 

Carpets 187 

Coal 190 

Coal Oil 190 

Fish Markets 190 

Flour and Feed 193 

Forwarding and Commission. 193 

P\irniture 193 

Grain 195 

Hides, Furs, Wool &c 19i 

Leather 195 

Liquors 199 

Musical Goods 15 9 

Lumber, Shingles, Lath &c 202 

Paints, Oils and Glass 202 

Paper— Flat, Print Ac 203 

Salt 203 

Seeds 2(»3 

Sewing Machines 203 

Tinner's Stock 20fi 

Tobacco Leaf 206 

Tobacco, Cigars &c 206 

Wall Paper and Shades 206 

Miscellaneous 209 



30: 



HISTORY OF QUINCY. 



TSI OKPHi.NS. 

St. Aloypius Society 40 

Woorlland Home. 49 

St. Mary's Hospital.. 77 

The Rink 88 

The Quincy Railroad Bridge 101 

Hotels 213 

Professional 21.5 

The "Press." '-'19 

Banking Institution? 225 

Educational 230 

Religious 236 

Fire Department 243 

Railroads 217 

River Commerce... 27(» 

Horse Rail way 2.'>fi 

Projected Railroads 270 

Cemeteries 276 

Executions 281 

City Governmr-nt 289 

Conclusion 298 



Biographical Sketches. 

Ex-Gov. John Wood, 26 

Hon. Thos. .Jasper 31 

Hon. Wm. A. Richardson 38 

Hon. O. H. Browning.. 44 

Hon. MaitUud Boon 52 

Hon. Jas. M. Pitman 57 

J. K. VanPoorn, Esq., 62 

H. V. Sullivan, E.sq 68 

Gen. Jas. D. Morgan 74 

Enoch Comstock, Esq 81 

Henry Root, Esq 85 

Chas. A. Savage, Esq 92 

Hon. C. A. Warren 97 

Henry V. Joseph Ricker, Esq.llO 

Hon. Alexander E. Wheat 113 

. C. M. Pomroy, Esq 116 

Geo. Adams," E.sq., 119 

Judge T. J. Mitchell 122 

Wm.Steinwedell, Es i 125 

M. Jacobs, Esq 128 

Louis Bnddee, Esq 130 

R. W. Gardner, Esq 134 

€apt. Michael Piggott 138 



A. J. F. Prevoat, Esq 143 

F. 11. Aldrich, Esq 143 

Col. M. M. Bane 148 

N. D. Munson, Esq 149 

Wm. G. Ewing, Esq 152 

Col. J. B. Cahill 155 

Col. C. H.Morton 158 

Col. K. K. Jones 161 

F. W. Mever. Esq 165 

Robert Till.son, Esq 169 

Hon. .Jackson Grimshaw 172 

Aldo Sommer, Esq 176 

A. B. I{;iiigsbur}% Esq 178 

S. P. Bartlett, Esq 180 

Louis Miller, Esq 183 

Wm. B. Andrews, Esq 185 

Henry Allen, Esq 188 

Col. Joseph G. Rowland 191 

Samuel E. Seger, Esq 194 

Gen. B. M. Prentiss IS© 

Newton Flagg, Esq 200 

Geo. W. Burns, Esq 204 

F. W. Jiinsen, Esq 207 

R. S. Benneson, Esq 211 

E. K. Stone, Esq 214 

W. H. Johnson, Esq 21T 

Jas. Arthur, Esq s223 

Edward Wells, Esq.. 228 

Wm. Morris. Esq 234 

Chas. W. Keyes. Esq 2:^5 

H. S. Osborn. Esq 2.37 

S J. Lesern, Esq 2.39 

J. W. Brown, Esq 241 

Hon. B. F. Berrian 245 

U. S. Penfield. Esq 25T 

Wendelin Weber, Esq 265 

F. D. Schermerhorn, Esq 268 

J. D. Lew, Esq., 1 272 

Capt. F. S. Lee 273 

J. T. Bradford, E.>^q 274 

Henry Frank, E.sq 277 

Austin Brooks, Esq 279 

N. Bushnell, Esq 283 

Hon. J. W\ Singleton 285 

E. H.Turner, Esq 288 

Hon. Thomas Redmond 292 

Hon. 0. C. Skinner 294 

Athos Green, Esq 296 

Willard Keyes, Esq 299 



